Target has apologized for and removed a children’s Halloween costume that drew criticism for evoking blackface imagery and 19th-century minstrel shows.
The costume, sold as the “Kids’ Glows Under Blacklight Circus Clown Halloween Costume” through Target’s Hyde and EEK Boutique brand, was removed following online backlash. According to a statement from Target spokesperson Brian Harper-Tibaldo, the retailer acknowledged the misstep.
“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,” Harper-Tibaldo said.
The spokesperson added that the company recognizes the particular harm caused to Black customers, employees, and partners. “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,” he stated.
Social media users criticized Target over the listing, with some questioning the company’s decision-making processes. One user on Threads wrote, “You really don’t have anyone left in Minneapolis to say, ‘Hey, that’s racist’? Y’all cut DEI and now you’ve got a minstrel clown costume for kids on your website.”
The costume removal represents another reputational challenge for the Minneapolis-based retailer, which has faced several controversies in recent years. In 2023, Target’s handling of its Pride Collection drew criticism. More recently, the company scaled back its diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, citing the need to stay aligned with “the evolving external landscape” following executive orders from the Trump administration.
Target’s rollback of DEI programs included reducing initiatives aimed at increasing representation of Black employees and supporting Black-owned businesses and suppliers. The reversal prompted backlash from some Black consumers and business owners who had previously supported or benefited from those diversity efforts.
Key facts
- Target removed a children’s circus clown Halloween costume from its Hyde and EEK Boutique brand after social media backlash
- Critics accused the costume of evoking blackface imagery and 19th-century minstrel shows
- A Target spokesperson said the costume “is offensive and should never have been part of our assortment”
- The retailer recently scaled back diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives following Trump administration executive orders