Business & Finance

Target apologizes and removes children's clown costume after social media backlash

The retailer pulled the item following criticism that its mask and design resembled racist blackface caricatures.

Updated Aug 25, 2026 · 10:20 UTC1 reports

The short version

Target issued a public apology and removed the 'Kids' Glows Under Blacklight Circus Clown Halloween Costume' from its inventory.
Social media users raised concerns that the costume's design evoked Jim Crow-era caricatures and blackface minstrel imagery.
Target announced an internal review to determine how the costume was selected for sale and to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

Target issued a statement on X apologizing for selling what it described as an offensive children's Halloween costume and confirmed the item was removed from sales channels.[Business Insider]
The item was listed online as the 'Kids' Glows Under Blacklight Circus Clown Halloween Costume' and featured a mask depicting a broad smile.[Business Insider]
Users across multiple social media platforms criticized the costume's imagery for resembling blackface minstrel caricatures.[Business Insider]
Target stated it is investigating how the product was included in its store assortment and is assessing changes to its process.[Business Insider]

It remains unknown how the costume entered Target's assortment or what specific procedural changes the company will implement following its internal investigation.[Business Insider]