Target Pulls Clown Costume Following Social Media Backlash
Target apologized and removed the $25 costume after backlash over imagery critics said echoed blackface and minstrel shows.
- On Sunday, Target pulled the "Kids' Glows under Blacklight Circus Clown Halloween Costume Bodysuit" from its website after social media users alleged the design's exaggerated facial features resembled racist blackface and minstrel imagery.
- Social media users drew comparisons between the costume's exaggerated smile, the child model's pose, and historical Jim Crow-era caricatures; the $25 product was sold under Target's Hyde & EEK! Boutique collection.
- Blackface minstrelsy, which emerged in the 1830s, utilized exaggerated makeup and performances to mock African Americans; the National Museum of African American History and Culture describes these performances as "comedic performances of 'blackness' by whites in exaggerated costumes."
- This incident follows Target's 2025 decision to scale back diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives and its 2023 Pride Collection controversies, prompting observers to question whether diverse voices shaped the costume approval process.
- Target apologized Monday, stating "the costume is offensive and should never have been part of our assortment" and confirming it is "no longer available for sale." The company said it is "looking closely at how this happened" to prevent future errors.
280 Articles
280 Articles
Target faces renewed backlash for Halloween costume with 'minstrel show features'
Retailer Target pulled a children's Halloween costume from its shelves after widespread social media backlash, apologizing for selling a garment critics said evoked racist minstrel caricatures.
Viola Davis to Target: “I Do Not Accept Your Apology”
Viola Davis refuses to accept an apology issued by Target after the corporation removed a racist Halloween costume from its stores. Social media users expressed outrage over the “minstrel” costume with racist blackface connotations. Target’s website showed a Black child wearing a Jester costume featuring a face covering with a wide, toothy smile printed on […]
Target faces renewed backlash after stocking Halloween costume with ‘minstrel show features’ - Boston News, Weather, Sports
Retailer Target pulled a children’s Halloween costume from its shelves Monday after widespread social media backlash, apologizing for selling a garment critics said evoked racist minstrel caricatures. Critics say the costume, along with its promotional image of a Black child modeling the get-up, is reminiscent of caricatures from Jim Crow-era minstrel shows that embedded stereotypes into popular culture and helped justify discrimination, segrega…
Target faces renewed backlash after stocking Halloween costume with ‘minstrel show features’ - WSVN 7News | Miami News, Weather, Sports
Retailer Target pulled a children’s Halloween costume from its shelves Monday after widespread social media backlash, apologizing for selling a garment critics said evoked racist...
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 56% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
