US3 min(s) read
Target has issued an apology after receiving criticism for one of its Halloween costumes, which was considered racist.
The US supermarket chain took to social media on Monday (August 24) and announced that it pulled a Halloween costume from shelves.
Photos from the website showed that it depicted a circus clown, which many claimed evoked Blackface and minstrel shows.
The outfit was sold as the “Kids’ Glows Under Blacklight Circus Clown Halloween Costume,” with many calling out the design on social media.
Buyers said that the design resembled a racist caricature, as some claimed that the chain didn't do enough due diligence before releasing it to the public.
But in a statement addressing the error, Target said it is 'deeply sorry' and that the item never should have been part of its assortment.
The chain took to X, writing: "An apology from us: We pulled an offensive Halloween costume that should never have been part of our assortment. 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," they stated.
It is the latest scandal for the US retailer, as they attempt to bounce back following poor sales in recent times.
The company was also criticized for its handling of products in the 2023 Pride Collection, while also changing its diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives after President Donald Trump was reelected for a second term in office.
Speaking to CNN, some Black shoppers who were disappointed in Target’s 2025 DEI rollbacks spoke out about the costume.
Sheletta Brundidge, a Minneapolis-area business leader, said that there is a link between the two: “You rolled back diversity,” she said, “so who’s in the room, now, to say ‘hey, this is wrong?’”
Target has enjoyed strong back-to-back quarters, with results showing after efforts to cut prices and keep merchandise fresh.
One reacted to the news by claiming: "Look how the boy is posing…. This definitely was intentional."
Another further alleged: "At this point it’s quite obvious that this was done on purpose. They’re not beating the allegations at this point."
A third added: "They knew exactly what they were doing. Keep them on the canceled list y'all."
There is no evidence to suggest that the retailer knowingly put the costume for sale with racist motivations.
