Target has removed a Halloween costume from its shelves after widespread criticism on social media that it resembled a racist caricature.
The item, sold as the "Kids' Glows Under Blacklight Circus Clown Halloween Costume," showed a Black child wearing a bright orange and black top with solid black gloves and a mask featuring a wide, toothy smile, which critics said evoked caricatures of Black people used in minstrel shows, reported The Guardian.
"As a company, we know we got this wrong, and we are deeply sorry," Target said in a statement. "The costume is offensive and should never have been part of our assortment. It is no longer available for sale. We know this is especially hurtful for our Black guests, team members and partners."
The company said it is reviewing how the costume reached shelves, and the controversy adds to a rocky stretch for the Minneapolis-based retailer.
Last year, activists called for a boycott after Target rolled back its diversity, equity and inclusion programs, a decision that coincided with its stock falling from $137.40 to $104.70 between January and mid-March, and just last week, the American Federation of Teachers urged CEO Michael Fiddelke to oppose Operation Metro Surge, the administration's National Guard deployment in Minneapolis.
Target has since raised its annual sales forecasts, though the latest incident could complicate that turnaround.
"Target keeps f'ing up ... or showing its true nature," sighed journalist and author Jeff Jarvis.
"Don’t forget Target’s instant capitulation to fascism in eliminating Pride celebrations last year," reminded public radio broadcaster Katie Stone. "Remember to never go to Target again. You don’t need Target. Keep boycotting them."
"Target ……blackface? This is deeply troubling and deserves accountability," opined business consultant Lisa Ranglin. "We cannot normalize imagery or actions rooted in racism and then dismiss the harm they cause. Companies must do better — and communities have every right to speak up."
"Unfortunately Target must have cleansed its ranks of any DEI hires that might have told them about blackface and minstrelsy in order to avoid this embarrassment in 2026," noted blogger Pam Spaulding.
"That can't possibly have been an accident," stated journalist John Rosevear. "Someone inside Target corporate -- probably several someones -- must have thought it was funny."
"Holy s---, um—I clicked on a headline about a racist Halloween costume at Target, but nothing I can say can prepare you for how horrifically racist it is," marveled author Anna Holmes. "They pulled it and said 'we got this wrong,' but what the actual f--- has to be wrong in your company to get that greenlit?"