Business & Finance
Target pulls Halloween costume and apologizes following backlash over racial caricatures
The retailer removed a children's circus clown costume that critics said recalled Jim Crow-era minstrel shows.
The short version
- Target removed the 'Kids’ Glows Under Blacklight Circus Clown Halloween costume' from its website and stores following criticism that it featured racist minstrel caricatures.
- The retail chain issued a public apology and stated it is reviewing its internal processes to determine how the item was selected and prevent future occurrences.
- Civil rights activists and boycott leaders pointed to the incident as evidence of systemic gaps following Target's decision to roll back its diversity, equity, and inclusion programs earlier in the year.
Key facts
- Target pulled the 'Kids’ Glows Under Blacklight Circus Clown Halloween costume' from its inventory and issued an apology following social media backlash.[Associated Press]
- Critics and community leaders noted that the costume's features and promotional marketing image of a Black child modeled imagery reminiscent of Jim Crow-era minstrel shows.[Associated Press]
- Target ended its three-year diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) program in January 2025, replacing it with a 'Belonging' strategy.[Associated Press]
- Organizers of ongoing consumer boycotts against Target stated the costume controversy reinforces their call for an indefinite boycott until DEI commitments are restored.[Associated Press]
- Target stock fell 3.78% to close at $163.47 on August 25 following the controversy.[Associated Press]
What remains uncertain
- Target has not disclosed the specific internal design, sourcing, or review failures that led to the costume being approved and offered for sale.[Associated Press]