Target has removed a children's Halloween costume from sale and issued a public apology after the product drew widespread criticism for resembling racist caricatures. The Kids' Glows Under Blacklight Circus Clown costume featured black gloves, a top hat, and a mask with an exaggerated smile, prompting comparisons to Jim Crow-era minstrel show imagery. Target acknowledged the outfit was offensive and stated it should never have been part of its assortment.
The controversy is the second to hit the retailer in recent months, following backlash over its rollback of diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives that spurred boycott calls last year. Target's share price fell from $137.40 in January to $104.70 by mid-March, and CEO Brian Cornell stepped down after 11 years. The company also faced criticism for scaling back LGBTQ+ Pride merchandise in 2024.