- Target has withdrawn a Halloween costume after critics on social media said it resembled a racist caricature.
- The costume, branded Kids' Glows Under Blacklight Circus Clown Halloween Costume, was criticized for evoking blackface and minstrel shows.
- Target issued an apology, calling the costume 'offensive' and 'hurtful for our Black guests, team members and partners.'
- The company stated, 'Removing the costume is an important first step' and is reviewing its processes to prevent recurrence.
- The costume was sold under Target's Hyde and EEK Boutique brand, but the retailer did not disclose who designed or approved it.
- Critics noted that the costume's design included elements reminiscent of Jim Crow-era depictions of Black people.
- This incident follows a series of setbacks for Target, including criticism over its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
Target has faced significant backlash after pulling a children's Halloween costume that many criticized for evoking blackface and minstrel shows. The costume, labeled the "Kids' Glows Under Blacklight Circus Clown Halloween Costume," was described as "offensive" and "hurtful for our Black guests, team members and partners" in a statement from the retailer.12
Images of the costume depicted a child in an orange and black jumpsuit, black shoes, a black hat, and a mask with an exaggerated smile, reminiscent of Jim Crow-era caricatures. Critics on social media expressed disbelief that such a product could have passed through Target's approval process, with one user stating, "I GASPED. HOW did that get past EVERY SINGLE PERSON in the process???"
Target acknowledged its mistake, stating, "As a company, we know we got this wrong, and we are deeply sorry". The retailer emphasized that removing the costume was an important first step and committed to reviewing its processes to prevent similar incidents in the future. This incident comes amid ongoing scrutiny of Target's diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, which have faced criticism in recent years.
The costume was sold under Target's seasonal Hyde and EEK Boutique brand, but the company did not disclose who designed or approved it for sale. Target's recent challenges include supply shortages and backlash over its decision to roll back DEI targets, further complicating its public image.5
“The costume, sold under Target's Hyde and EEK Boutique brand, featured a black hat, mask, and exaggerated smile, with a pose linked to Jim Crow-era depictions. Target's apology follows recent DEI rollback criticism and a CEO departure, adding to its reputational challenges.”
BBC
