Archive · 25 Aug 2026
Target Pulls Children’s Halloween Costume After Blackface Backlash
Target sold a children’s clown costume for Halloween.
Some people said its black face mask and exaggerated grin looked like racist Blackface imagery.
Blackface is a harmful tradition in which performers used makeup to mock Black people.
The criticism grew after a Black child was shown modeling the costume.
Target removed the costume from its stores and website.
The company apologized and said the costume should never have been sold.
People are also connecting the incident to Target’s decision to reduce some diversity programs.
Some critics are calling for a boycott.
Target says it is examining how the costume was approved.
Target removed its Kids’ Glows Under Blacklight Circus Clown costume after online criticism that it evoked Blackface and Jim Crow-era imagery.
The costume included a bodysuit, black gloves, a black face mask with an exaggerated grin, and a small top hat.
Critics questioned how the product was approved, especially because a Black child appeared modeling it in Target’s product imagery.
Target apologized, called the costume offensive, and said it is reviewing its approval process to prevent a recurrence.
The backlash renewed scrutiny of Target’s rollback of diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives and prompted calls for a boycott.
- Who
- Target, its customers, critics, and Black employees and partners are involved.
- What
- Target withdrew and apologized for a children’s circus clown costume accused of evoking racist Blackface imagery.
- When
- Target acknowledged the controversy on Monday; the costume was marketed for Halloween on October 31.
- Where
- The controversy occurred in the United States and spread through social media; Target is based in Minneapolis.
- Why
- Critics said the design recalled Blackface and Jim Crow-era minstrel imagery, while Target said it was offensive and is reviewing its approval process.
Critics and Boycott Supporters
Target’s Response
Meaning of the costume design
Critics and Boycott Supporters
Critics said the black mask, exaggerated grin, and overall character recalled Blackface and Jim Crow-era minstrel imagery.
Target’s Response
Target did not defend the design and said the costume was offensive and should never have been part of its assortment.
Approval process
Critics and Boycott Supporters
Consumers questioned how Target approved the product and argued that greater Black representation in decision-making might have prevented the mistake.
Target’s Response
Target said it is looking closely at how the costume was approved and what needs to change to prevent a similar incident.
Connection to DEI policies
Critics and Boycott Supporters
Critics, including business leader Sheletta Brundidge, viewed the incident as connected to Target’s rollback of diversity initiatives and support for Black-owned suppliers.
Target’s Response
Target said it scaled back its DEI efforts to stay in step with what it called the evolving external landscape; the company has not stated that the costume resulted from those changes.
- Retailer
- Target
- Product
- Kids’ Glows Under Blacklight Circus Clown Halloween Costume
- Brand
- Hyde and EEK Boutique
- Action taken
- Target removed the costume from sale and issued an apology.
- Main criticism
- Consumers said the costume evoked Blackface and Jim Crow-era racist imagery.
- Additional concern
- A Black child appeared modeling the costume in Target’s product imagery.
- Related policy debate
- The incident renewed criticism of Target’s rollback of diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.