Key facts
- Target removed a children's Halloween costume after criticism.
- The costume was described as evoking racist minstrel caricatures.
- Target apologized, stating the costume was offensive and should not have been sold.
- The company is reviewing its internal processes to prevent future incidents.
- The incident occurred as Target's sales have begun to rebound.
- Activists continue to call for a boycott of Target.
Target has removed a children's Halloween costume from its shelves following widespread social media backlash, with critics stating the garment evoked racist minstrel caricatures. The retailer issued an apology, acknowledging the costume was offensive and should never have been part of its assortment.
The costume, described as an "Orange-and-black circus clown costume" that "Glows Under Blacklight," featured gloves, a top hat, and a grinning mask with large teeth. Critics argue that the costume, along with its promotional image of a Black child modeling it, is reminiscent of caricatures from the Jim Crow era's minstrel shows, which embedded stereotypes into popular culture and helped justify discrimination.
"As a company, we know we got this wrong, and we are deeply sorry. The costume is offensive and should never have been part of our assortment. It is no longer available for sale," Target said in a statement. The company added that it knows this is "especially hurtful for our Black guests, team members and partners" and is examining how the error occurred.
This incident occurs as Target's sales have begun to rebound from earlier moves that alienated some customers. The company previously ended its three-year diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) program in January 2025, which included ending reports to external groups and a program for Black- or minority-owned businesses, replacing it with a "Belonging" strategy. Activist-organizers, including Rev. Jamal Bryant, have criticized Target's decision to roll back DEI efforts and have called for boycotts, citing a perceived lack of corporate diversity among decision-makers.
Bruce Winder, a retail analyst, noted that such inventory errors can happen but emphasized the importance of Target's swift accountability and apology. Meanwhile, boycott organizers like Nekima Levy Armstrong and Jaylani Hussein remain steadfast in their calls for Target to reinstate its DEI programs and commitments to Black communities, viewing the costume controversy as a reminder of their mission.