Target acknowledged Monday, Aug. 24, that it had removed a children’s clown costume after critics said its appearance evoked racist minstrel-show imagery.
“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. 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 product was called the Kids’ Circus Glow Clown Halloween Costume Bodysuit, according to ABC News.
It featured an orange-and-black shirt and pants, black gloves, and a hooded mesh mask with an exaggerated smile and attached miniature hat. The design was made to glow under blacklight.
Critics on social media compared the costume’s appearance with racist minstrel caricatures. The criticism intensified after images on Target’s website showed a young Black child modeling the outfit.
Target said removing the item was only a first step and that it is examining how the costume reached its assortment and what changes are needed to prevent a repeat.
The controversy involves one of the nation’s largest retailers. Target operates more than 2,000 stores across all 50 states and Washington, DC, according to the company’s corporate overview.
The company has not publicly detailed what changes may result from its internal review.
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