Target yanks controversial Halloween costume after backlash
Target apologized after pulling a Halloween costume from its stores that was criticized for evoking racist blackface and minstrel imagery. The costume, sold under target’s Hyde and eek boutique brand and named “Kids’ Glows Under Blacklight Circus Clown Halloween Costume,” depicted a Black child in a clown or jester outfit with exaggerated features, leading to accusations of racism. Target stated it know they got it wrong and expressed deep regret, acknowledging the impact on Black guests, employees, and partners. The incident occurred amid ongoing scrutiny of Target’s efforts around diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), especially after the company scaled back these initiatives in January 2025, which sparked protests and a boycott led by Black activists. Despite previous commitments to support Black-owned businesses, including a pledge to invest $2 billion, the retailer faced criticism for its DEI rollback, although some advocates like actress Tabitha Brown urged followers not to boycott as it might harm Black-owned businesses that rely on target. Target committed to reviewing its approval processes to prevent similar issues in the future.
Target apologized after pulling a Halloween costume from its stores that critics said evoked racist blackface and minstrel imagery.
“As a company, we know we got this wrong, and we are deeply sorry,” Target said in a statement on Monday. “The costume is offensive and should never have been part of our assortment.”
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The costume, sold under Target’s Hyde and Eek Boutique brand, was the “Kids’ Glows Under Blacklight Circus Clown Halloween Costume.” Advertising for the since-deleted costume featured a black child dressed in an orange-and-black clown or jester-like suit, complete with a huge grin and hat sewn in. The costume drew backlash online as imitating blackface and a 19th-century minstrel.
Target continued its statement by saying it knows the incident is “especially hurtful for our Black guests, team members and partners,” and said it is reviewing how the costume got through its approval process.
The controversy comes as the Minneapolis-based retailer continues to face scrutiny from black shoppers following its rollback of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
Target announced in January 2025 that it was scaling back on several DEI efforts, including programs designed to increase opportunities for black-owned businesses and suppliers. The move sparked a national boycott led by black activists, including Pastor Jamal Bryant and Jaylani Hussein, which began with a 40-day “Target Fast” campaign. The boycott continued for about a year before organizers announced in March 2026 that it was ending.
The retailer had previously positioned itself as a major supporter of black-owned brands. Target pledged in 2021 to invest $2 billion in black-owned businesses by the end of 2025, and had programs aimed at expanding the number of black-owned brands on its shelves.
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Among the entrepreneurs who had built prominent partnerships with Target is actress and entrepreneur Tabitha Brown, whose products include food, home decor, apparel, and hair care. Brown urged her followers not to boycott Target after the DEI rollback, warning that a boycott could ultimately hurt black-owned businesses that depend on Target’s retail platform.
Target said removing the costume was “an important first step,” and that it is examining what needs to change to prevent a similar incident in the future.
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