Target apologizes for selling 'offensive' children's costume after backlash

· Toronto Sun

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American department store Target has apologized and pulled sales of a children’s Halloween costume of a circus clown that possibly conjured Blackface and minstrel shows.

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The costume, branded “Kids’ Glows Under Backlight Circus Clown Halloween Costume,” sparked backlash on social media, with many believing it resembled a racist caricature.

“An apology from us: We pulled an offensive Halloween costume that should never have been part of our assortment,” Target said in a statement. “It is no longer for sale. As a company, we got this wrong, and we are deeply sorry.

“We know this is especially hurtful for our Black guests, team members and partners. Removing the costume is an important first step, and the company is looking closely at how this happened and what needs to change to ensure this won’t happen again.”

The product was sold under Target’s seasonal Hyde and EEK Boutique brand, CNN reported . Target didn’t reveal who designed the costume or who approved it for sale.

Jim Crow-era depiction of Black people

A picture of the costume making the rounds on social media after the product was pulled depicts a child wearing an orange and black jumpsuit that is paired with black shoes, a black hat and a mask with a large exaggerated smile.

The costume-wearing child posed with one leg and arm raised in a waving gesture, a pose affiliated with Jim Crow-era depictions of Black people, per People .

Critics online said it resembled Blackface and hearkened back to minstrel caricatures.

“I GASPED. HOW did that get past EVERY SINGLE PERSON in the process???” one commented .

“What in the actual f***…..,” another chimed .

“This is like their 30th racially offensive act,” said another .

Monday’s apology is the latest setback the retailer has faced after a stretch of poor sales, per CNN.

Last year, Target was criticized for rolling back its DEI initiatives after President Donald Trump returned to the White House. In 2023, the company also faced backlash over its handling of products in its Pride Collection.

After the DEI controversy, Target CEO Brian Cornell stepped down after 11 years. The retailer has faced consumer boycotts since early last year due to the DEI cuts, per People.

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