UNITED STATES — Target has removed a children’s Halloween costume from sale and issued a public apology after the outfit sparked widespread criticism over imagery that some shoppers said resembled racist caricatures associated with blackface and minstrel shows.
The product was marketed as the “Kids’ Glows Under Blacklight Circus Clown Halloween Costume.” Promotional images showed a Black child wearing an orange-and-black clown outfit featuring black gloves, a hood and an exaggerated smiling face covering. Critics on social media argued that the overall appearance echoed offensive historical depictions of Black people.
Following the backlash, Target removed the costume from stores and its website. The retailer acknowledged that the product should not have been included in its Halloween assortment and apologized, particularly to Black customers, employees and business partners who were offended by the imagery.
Target also said it is reviewing how the costume made it through the company’s approval process and what changes may be needed to prevent a similar situation in the future. The company has not publicly identified who designed or approved the product.
The controversy comes as Target continues to face scrutiny over its approach to diversity and inclusion. The retailer previously scaled back several of its diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, a decision that generated criticism and boycott calls from some consumers. The latest incident has renewed online discussion about the importance of having diverse perspectives involved in product development and approval.
Target says removing the costume is only an initial response and that the company intends to examine its internal procedures as it works to avoid similar incidents.
The costume is no longer available for purchase through Target, and the company has publicly acknowledged responsibility for allowing the product to reach customers in the first place.
(Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
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