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Target apologizes, pulls Halloween costume over offensive imagery

By
FOX Local
Consumer
Published August 25, 2026 8:02 AM CDT
Published August 25, 2026 8:02 AM CDT
article

Facade of Target store in San Ramon, California, April 18, 2026. (Photo by Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images)

The Brief

    • Retailer chain Target has pulled a Halloween costume off shelves and issued an apology after admitting the offensive nature of the product.
    • The costume, a "Kids’ Glows Under Blacklight Circus Clown" bodysuit, depicted a circus clown that evokes imagery of Blackface and minstrel shows.
    • Target did not specify how many stores and which locations carried the item, but said they were taking them down nationwide after concerns were raised.

Retailer chain Target has pulled a Halloween costume off shelves and issued an apology after admitting the offensive nature of the product. 

The company removed the costume over the weekend after photos began to circulate on social media, prompting complaints from shoppers and advocacy groups. 

What they're saying:

The Minnesota-based company released a statement, saying: "As a company, we got this wrong, and we are deeply sorry. We know this is especially hurtful for our Black guests, team members and partners," the statement read. "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."

Target did not specify how many stores and which locations carried the item, but said they were taking them down nationwide after concerns were raised. 

What we know:

The costume, a "Kids’ Glows Under Blacklight Circus Clown" bodysuit, depicted a circus clown that evokes imagery of Blackface and minstrel shows. There has been no response from Target when asked who designed or approved the product for their seasonal Hyde and Eek Boutique brand. 

Although the costume was reportedly sold by other retailers, including Walmart and Amazon, the item did not appear on their websites. Walmart told Reuters it had no record of selling the costume, while Amazon and Etsy did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

RELATED: Target says sales drop amid boycotts, DEI cuts and tariff concerns

Target sales drop amid boycotts, DEI cuts

The backstory:

Last year, Target faced a series of boycotts after they announced they were phasing out a handful of DEI initiatives which included a program designed to help Black employees advance their careers and promote Black-owned businesses. 

The company faced further criticism from customers after their reduction of merchandise in their 2023 Pride Collection. 

Target recently posted their third straight strong quarter, signaling a  turnaround, announced in March by their new CEO Michael Fiddelke. His plan includes billions to remodel stores, improve customer experience and speed up deliveries in an effort to restore annual sales growth. 
 

The Source: This story was written with information provided by Target and Reuters. This story was reported from Orlando.

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