Target Pulls Clown Costume Following Social Media Backlash
Target apologized and removed the $25 costume after backlash over imagery critics said echoed blackface and minstrel shows.
- On Sunday, Target pulled the "Kids' Glows under Blacklight Circus Clown Halloween Costume Bodysuit" from its website after social media users alleged the design's exaggerated facial features resembled racist blackface and minstrel imagery.
- Social media users drew comparisons between the costume's exaggerated smile, the child model's pose, and historical Jim Crow-era caricatures; the $25 product was sold under Target's Hyde & EEK! Boutique collection.
- Blackface minstrelsy, which emerged in the 1830s, utilized exaggerated makeup and performances to mock African Americans; the National Museum of African American History and Culture describes these performances as "comedic performances of 'blackness' by whites in exaggerated costumes."
- This incident follows Target's 2025 decision to scale back diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives and its 2023 Pride Collection controversies, prompting observers to question whether diverse voices shaped the costume approval process.
- Target apologized Monday, stating "the costume is offensive and should never have been part of our assortment" and confirming it is "no longer available for sale." The company said it is "looking closely at how this happened" to prevent future errors.
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187 Articles
Target shares drop after Halloween costume backlash | Honolulu Star-Advertiser
Target shares slid as much as 5% after the retailer apologized for and pulled a Halloween costume criticized for evoking Blackface, renewing concerns about brand missteps just as its financial turnaround effort had begun to bear fruit.
Target removed a Halloween childhood clown costume after social media critics compared it to racist images of the blackface era. The company apologized in a statement on August 24.
The Dallas Express News
wbap.comTarget Costume Controversy: Where Humor Ends And Harm Begins
Target apologized and removed a children’s Halloween costume after social media users said its dark face covering, exaggerated grin, and oversized teeth resembled blackface and racist caricatures from 19th-century minstrel shows. In an August 24 statement, Target called the costume “offensive,” said it should never have been included in its assortment, and is reviewing how the costume entered its assortment. Costume Draws Comparisons to Minstrel…
“Target apologized after selling a racist Halloween costume” links
I hope people are still boycotting Target after they abandoned all of their DEI policies, because Target is now apologizing for carrying an incredibly offensive Halloween costume. When I first saw the headline, I thought “oh, it’s probably not that bad.” No, it’s shockingly offensive, and I can’t help but think about how many (white) […] Source
Good Morning America
Target apologizes for 'offensive' kids Halloween costume that evoked racist imagery
Target is apologizing for selling an "offensive" Halloween costume for children that some say resembles a racist minstrel outfit.
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