Target apologises for selling ‘offensive’ children’s fancy-dress costume after backlash

Danni Scott | Live News reporter Published August 25, 2026 8:50am Updated August 25, 2026 8:50am Target has issued an apology for the ‘offensive’ outfit (Picture: REUTERS) US chain Target has apologised and removed a fancy dress costume from its stores after criticism that it was racist and offensive. The costume was m

The retailer pulled the kids' circus clown costume after social media users accused it of selling racist merchandise.

The Minneapolis-based retailer said it was “looking closely at how this happened” after a Halloween costume from one of its private-label brands evoked blackface minstrelsy.

Target has removed a children’s Halloween costume from its website after social media users pointed out that it closely resembled imagery from Jim Crow-era blackface minstrelsy. The $25 costume—listed as “Kids’ Glows Under Blacklight Circus Clown Halloween Costume Bodysuit”—featured a black-and-orange harlequin pattern