Taylor Schlitz: Target’s offensive Halloween costume is exactly what DEI was supposed to prevent

Target wants to know how something like this got through. But it’s not a mystery when the company has retreated from corporate diversity initiatives.

This isn't the first time Target has found itself facing criticism over diversity issues. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images Target again finds itself in the cultural crosshairs — this time over an offensive Halloween costume. The retailer quickly apologized, but the episode marks a stumble in a turnaround year. The nature

Target pulls ‘offensive’ Halloween costume  Chicago Tribune

Target apologizes for ‘offensive’ costume  CNN

The images were published on social media.

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 9:54am 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.

Bosses of one of the largest retail chains in the world have issued a grovelling apology following a Halloween outfit that went viral for all the wrong reasons

Target apologizes for 'offensive' Halloween costume after backlash  USA Today

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

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