Target has apologized and removed a children’s Halloween clown costume after criticism that its design evoked Blackface and minstrel-show imagery. The retailer said the product was offensive and should never have been offered for sale.
UNITED STATES — Target apologized Monday and confirmed it had pulled a children’s Halloween costume from sale after the product triggered backlash on social media over allegations that its appearance resembled a racist caricature. The retailer said it was reviewing how the costume was approved and what changes may be needed.
Key Highlights
- Target removed the “Kids’ Glows Under Blacklight Circus Clown Halloween Costume” following criticism over its design.
- The retailer acknowledged the costume was particularly hurtful to its Black guests, team members and partners.
- Target declined to identify the product’s designer or explain the approval process, saying it was examining what went wrong.
Target apologizes over children’s clown costume
Target said it had “got this wrong” and apologized for the costume, which was sold through its seasonal Hyde and EEK Boutique brand. The company said the item was no longer available for purchase.
The backlash grew across social media as consumers questioned the design and said it evoked imagery associated with Blackface and minstrel shows. Target acknowledged the criticism in its statement and said the product should never have been included in its assortment.
Retailer reviews how the product was approved
Target did not provide details about who designed the costume or the internal process through which it was approved for sale. The company said it was “looking closely” at how the situation occurred and what needed to change.
The controversy comes as Target continues efforts to improve its business and brand reputation following a difficult period. The retailer has previously faced criticism over its 2023 Pride Collection and later changes to its diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.
Black shoppers express renewed disappointment
Some Black shoppers said the incident added to concerns following Target’s 2025 DEI rollbacks. Sheletta Brundidge, a Minneapolis-area business leader, connected the controversy to those changes and questioned whether the retailer had enough diversity in decision-making roles to flag the problem before the product reached customers.
Target specifically recognized the impact on Black customers and employees, saying the costume was especially hurtful to its Black guests, team members and partners.
Hyde and EEK products sold through other retailers
Hyde and EEK is a Target-owned brand, although products from the line have also been resold through retailers and marketplaces including Walmart, Amazon and Etsy.
Reuters did not find the disputed costume on those platforms. Walmart said it had no knowledge of the item being sold there, while Amazon and Etsy did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Costume controversy adds pressure as Target rebuilds
The episode arrives while Target is attempting to regain momentum in its retail business. The company has posted back-to-back strong quarters and has been working to cut prices and refresh its merchandise, with new CEO Michael Fiddelke receiving positive attention from Wall Street.
Morningstar analyst Brett Husslein said Target has limited room for mistakes because it cannot compete with Walmart and Costco primarily on price. He argued that controversies affecting the retailer’s brand could undermine efforts to recover market share.
Target shares were up 2.7% in afternoon trading on Monday, even as the retailer dealt with the latest criticism surrounding its merchandise decisions.
The company has said its review will focus on how the costume reached its assortment and what needs to change, putting its internal product approval process under renewed scrutiny.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Target remove the children’s clown Halloween costume?
Target removed the costume after critics said its design resembled a racist caricature and evoked Blackface and minstrel-show imagery.
What did Target say about the controversial costume?
Target apologized and acknowledged that the costume was offensive and should not have been part of its assortment.
Was the costume available through other retailers?
Hyde and EEK products have been resold through Walmart, Amazon and Etsy, but Reuters did not see the disputed costume listed on those platforms.
Praveen Yadav is the Founder and Editor at The Nation Bulletin. With over 3 years of experience in digital journalism and news reporting, he covers national affairs, governance, and breaking current events with a commitment to factual accuracy and verified reporting.
