Target has removed a children’s Halloween costume from its website and apologized after the product sparked widespread criticism over imagery that many people said evoked blackface and racist minstrel-era caricatures.
The costume, sold for $25 under Target’s Hyde & EEK! Boutique Halloween line, was listed as the “Kids’ Glows Under Blacklight Circus Clown Halloween Costume Bodysuit.” Promotional images showed a young Black boy wearing the orange-and-black outfit, which included black gloves and a dark hood with an exaggerated, painted smile.
Images of the product began circulating widely on social media over the weekend, with critics questioning how the costume and its marketing images made it through Target’s review process. Some users compared the imagery and the child’s pose to racist caricatures historically associated with blackface and minstrel shows.
The backlash quickly grew, with people calling for Target to remove the costume and some users urging others to boycott the retailer. Comedian LaTrez Anderson also criticized the product on social media, adding to the growing conversation around the costume.
By Monday, the costume had been removed from Target’s website.
Target acknowledged the controversy and apologized for the product. In a statement, the company said, “We know we got this wrong, and we are deeply sorry.” Target also said the costume was offensive and should never have been part of its assortment.
The retailer said the incident was particularly hurtful to its Black customers, employees and partners. Target said removing the costume was the first step and that it was reviewing how the product made it through its internal process and what needed to change to prevent something similar from happening again.
The controversy comes as Target continues to face scrutiny over its approach to diversity, equity and inclusion. The company previously scaled back several DEI initiatives, a decision that drew criticism from some Black consumers and business owners.
For now, the costume is no longer available for sale. But the bigger question being raised online is simple: How did this product—and the images used to market it—make it through Target’s approval process in the first place?
