‘We got this wrong’: Target issues statement after removing minstrel-like Halloween costume
TheGrio...
The corporation faced swift backlash after placing the costume, which depicted a young Black male in a clown costume that closely resembled that of racist caricatures of the past.
Target quickly realized that certain items no longer work for Halloween.
After releasing a costume from its Hyde and EEK! Boutique collection that featured a Black child wearing baggy checkered pants, a black mesh face mask with a wide, snaggletooth smile and a top hat on sale for $25, the retailer removed it on Sunday and issued a prompt apology on Monday, admitting fault.
“An apology from us: We removed an offensive Halloween costume that should never have been part of our assortment. It is no longer for sale,” the statement began. “As a company, we got this wrong, and we are deeply sorry. We know this is especially hurtful for our Black guests, team members and partners.
“Removing the costume is an important first step, and we are looking closely at how this happened and what needs to change to ensure this won’t happen again.”
As TheGrio previously reported, several blogs and outlets covered the costume from the Minneapolis-based big-box retailer, raising concerns and prompting online statements taking aim at Target’s previous removal of DEI-related policies within the company and more. The costume evoked images of Jim Crow-era stereotypes of Black people, prompting one social media user to ask, “Wanna lose $12 billion more?”
Following the start of a national boycott of the retailer in March 2025, the company saw a 21 percent drop in net income in its second fiscal quarter, years after another massive drop in net income due to its response to conservative critics over its LGBTQ+-Themed merchandise celebrating Pride Month.
Despite a bounce back, Target says it still has work to do under new leadership.