Target is apologizing and pulling a children’s Halloween costume from its shelves after the outfit sparked backlash online.
The costume, sold as the “Kids' Glows Under Blacklight Circus Clown Halloween Costume,” drew criticism on social media from people who said its design appeared to evoke Blackface imagery and 19th-century minstrel shows, USA TODAY reported.
“As a company, we know we got this wrong, and we are deeply sorry,” Target said in an Aug. 24 statement. “The costume is offensive and should never have been part of our assortment.”
Target said the costume is no longer available for sale.
The retailer also acknowledged the impact the controversy may have had on customers and employees.
“We know this is especially hurtful for our Black guests,
team members and partners,” the company said. “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.”
Target did not immediately provide additional details on how the costume made it through the company’s review process.
Natassia Paloma may be reached at npaloma@gannett.com, @NatassiaPaloma on X, natassia_paloma on Instagram, and Natassia Paloma on Facebook.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Target pulls 'offensive' Halloween costume after backlash
