Target Pulls Costume After Backlash

Target has removed a children's Halloween costume from its website after social media users accused the retailer of selling a design that appeared to resemble racist blackface and minstrel imagery. The costume, listed under the name "Kids' Glows Under Blacklight Circus Clown Halloween Costume," was being sold for $25, according to Atlanta Black Star, which also identified Hyde and EEK! Boutique as the maker of the product.

The product image showed a Black child wearing a black-and-orange clown outfit alongside a face mask with an exaggerated, oversized grin. The child also posed for photos as if about to run or give someone a high-five. The image quickly drew online comparisons to racist imagery associated with historical blackface and minstrel stereotypes, as reported by Atlanta Black Star. The Guardian noted that both the child's pose and the costume's gloves and mask were likened to caricatures of Black people used in minstrel shows.

Target's Apology

In a public statement, Target acknowledged the offense. "As a company, we know we got this wrong, and we are deeply sorry," the retailer said. "The costume is offensive and should never have been part of our assortment. It is no longer available for sale."

The apology continued: "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." The statement was quoted by both The Guardian and Times Now.

Historical Context and Social Media Reaction

Atlanta Black Star provided historical context, explaining that blackface minstrelsy involved white performers using burnt cork or paint to darken their skin and adopting exaggerated facial features to mock African Americans. The outlet noted that Thomas Dartmouth Rice, a white performer often dubbed the "Father of Minstrelsy," popularized the Jim Crow caricature through blackface performances in the 1830s, and that such performances became particularly popular after the Civil War and continued into the early 20th century.

Social media users were quick to voice their concerns. One Threads user, @tyrannosaurus.valley, commented: "Thanks Target! I will be using you as a reference to the ongoing racism in the United States when I teach Jim Crow this year. Teachers across the country now have primary source evidence of modern day racism." Another Threads user said: "Someone made a child pose for this picture. I hope they are fired, shunned, and shamed." A third user questioned the approval process, saying: "I need to see more than a removal of the item, I need to see who designed it, who photographed it, who approved it on all levels. Hell, I need to see the parent that let their child be used this way."

Atlanta Black Star also drew comparisons to a 2018 incident involving H&M, which faced backlash after featuring a Black child wearing a hooded sweatshirt printed with the words "coolest monkey in the jungle." Celebrities including The Weeknd and LeBron James criticized the ad, and H&M pulled the image, apologized, and stopped selling the item globally.

Broader Context of Controversies

This costume controversy is the latest in a series for the Minneapolis-based retailer. Last year, activists called for a boycott of the company after its decision to walk back DEI initiatives, as reported by The Guardian and Times Now. Atlanta Black Star noted that the boycott concluded in March 2026. Additionally, last week, the American Federation of Teachers, a teachers' union, called on Target's CEO, Michael Fiddelke, to call for an end to Operation Metro Surge, Trump's National Guard push in Minneapolis, according to The Guardian and Times Now.

The Guardian also reported that Target's stock price decreased from $137.40 on 24 January, the day the company cut its DEI programs, to $104.70 on 15 March. The company is starting to experience a financial comeback after the initial boycott, but could face other challenges.

Atlanta Black Star reached out to Target for comment and is awaiting a response.