Target Pulls Halloween Costume Following Blackface Backlash
- Funny
- Offensive
August 25th, 2026 – Target has removed a children’s Halloween costume from sale and issued an apology after the outfit sparked widespread criticism for imagery that critics said evoked blackface and racist minstrel-show stereotypes.
The costume, sold as the “Kids’ Glows Under Blacklight Circus Clown Halloween Costume,” was part of Target’s Hyde and EEK! Boutique Halloween collection. Product images showed a young Black boy modeling a black-and-orange clown bodysuit featuring black gloves, a small top hat and a hood or mask with an exaggerated, oversized smile.
Images of the costume began circulating on social media, where users drew comparisons between its appearance and the racist caricatures associated with 19th- and early 20th-century minstrel performances. Blackface minstrelsy traditionally involved performers darkening their faces and using exaggerated features and mannerisms to portray demeaning stereotypes of Black Americans.
The controversy prompted Target to remove the costume from both its stores and website.
“As a company, we know we got this wrong, and we are deeply sorry,” Target said in an August 24 statement. The retailer called the costume “offensive” and said it “should never have been part of our assortment.” Target added that the incident was particularly hurtful to its Black customers, employees and business partners.
The Minneapolis-based company said it is now examining how the costume made it through its product-selection and approval process and what changes are necessary to prevent a similar incident.
The controversy comes at a particularly sensitive moment for Target, which has already faced criticism over its approach to diversity and inclusion. The retailer scaled back several diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives following President Donald Trump’s return to office, a decision that generated backlash and boycott calls from some Black consumers and activists.
That history quickly became part of the reaction to the Halloween costume. Some critics argued that the incident raised questions about whether Target had enough diverse perspectives involved in decisions about merchandise and marketing. Minneapolis businesswoman and broadcaster Sheletta Brundidge was among those connecting the costume controversy with Target’s changes to its diversity programs.
Target has not publicly identified who designed or approved the costume.
The retailer’s response has focused instead on acknowledging the failure and promising changes. “Removing the costume is an important first step,” the company said, adding that it is examining both how the product reached stores and what needs to change internally.
The episode illustrates the reputational risks major retailers face when products containing imagery with a history of racial stereotypes make it through corporate review. In Target’s case, what was intended as a children’s Halloween clown costume instead became a national controversy—and another test of the company’s relationship with Black customers and employees.