- Target has apologized for a circus clown Halloween costume that critics accused of evoking blackface and 19th-century minstrel shows following online backlash.
- The costume was sold as the "Kids' Glows Under Blacklight Circus Clown Halloween Costume", according to the since-deleted listing.
- Target removed the offensive costume and stated it should never have been featured in its stores.
- Target is looking closely at how this happened and what needs to change to ensure this won't happen again.
- The move to pull the costume comes after social media backlash in which critics accused the retailer of selling racist merchandise.
- Target acknowledged in its statement that the costume was especially hurtful for its Black guests, team members, and partners.
- Sheletta Brundidge, a Minneapolis-area business leader, views the costume as an indirect result of DEI decision rollbacks.
Target has faced backlash for a children's clown Halloween costume that critics say resembled blackface and minstrel shows. The costume, marketed as the “Kids’ Glows Under Blacklight Circus Clown Halloween Costume,” was removed after social media outrage.1346
Company spokesperson Brian Harper-Tibaldo stated, “As a company, we know we got this wrong, and we are deeply sorry. The costume is offensive and should never have been part of our assortment. It is no longer available for sale.” The retailer acknowledged the costume was particularly hurtful for its Black guests, team members, and partners.
The decision to pull the costume comes amid ongoing scrutiny of Target's diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, which have faced criticism since President Donald Trump returned to the White House. Critics have pointed out that the retailer's recent DEI rollbacks may have contributed to the oversight in approving the costume.
Sheletta Brundidge, a Minneapolis-area business leader, expressed disappointment, stating, “You rolled back diversity, so who’s in the room, now, to say ‘hey, this is wrong?’” The incident adds to a series of reputational challenges for Target, including its handling of the 2023 Pride Collection.7
Target has not disclosed who designed the costume or the approval process for its sale, but the backlash highlights the importance of maintaining diverse perspectives in product development.
“The costume, sold under Target's Hyde and EEK Boutique brand, was removed after a Threads user linked it to the retailer's DEI rollback, asking 'who's in the room now?' Target's shares rose 2.7% in afternoon trading despite the backlash.”
Fox Business
