Target apologizes for children’s clown Halloween costume after backlash

Target apologized on Monday and said it had pulled a Halloween costume from sale depicting a circus clown that critics said evoked Blackface and minstrel shows.

The images were published on social media.

Target has pulled an "offensive" kids' Halloween costume off the shelves. Kevin Carter/Getty Images Target has apologized for selling what it said was an "offensive Halloween costume." The company was responding to backlash on social media over a clown costume for kids. Target says the product has been pulled and is n

Critics said the children’s costume evoked blackface imagery. Target said, “We know we got this wrong, and we are deeply sorry.”

Target apologizes for ‘offensive’ costume | CNN Business  CNN

US retail giant Target has been forced to apologise and pull a Halloween costume from sale after the outfit drew criticism for evoking blackface and minstrel shows.

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 apologizes for 'offensive' Halloween costume after backlash  USA Today

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

Retailer removes kid’s clown costume after people said it resembled a racist caricature used in minstrel shows Target, the US retail corporation, said it pulled a controversial Halloween costume off its shelves after criticism across social media that it resembled a racist caricature. The ad image for the costume, sold

Target apologizes for children's clown Halloween costume after backlash  Reuters

The costume was accused of evoking blackface caricatures and minstrel-show imagery.