Apology acknowledges harm to Black guests, team members and partners
Target said it removed a children’s Halloween costume from sale after criticism on social media that the outfit resembled a racist caricature used in minstrel shows. The costume, sold as the “Kids’ Glows Under Blacklight Circus Clown Halloween Costume,” was shown in its ad image on a Black child wearing a bright orange and black top with solid black gloves and a mask with a wide, toothy smile.
Social media users likened both the child’s pose and the costume’s gloves and mask to caricatures of Black people used in minstrel shows.
“As a company, we know we got this wrong, and we are deeply sorry,” Target said in its apology 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. 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.”
The Guardian reported that the costume controversy is the latest in a series for the Minneapolis-based retailer. Last year, activists called for a boycott of the company after its decision to walk back DEI initiatives.
Last week, the American Federation of Teachers, a teachers’ union, called on Target’s CEO, Michael Fiddelke, to call for an end to Operation Metro Surge, Trump’s National Guard push in Minneapolis earlier this year.
Target’s stock price decreased from $137.40 on 24 January, the day the company cut its DEI programs, to $104.70 on 15 March. The company is starting to experience a financial comeback after the initial boycott, but could face other challenges, according to The Guardian.