Target is apologizing after a children’s circus-clown Halloween costume triggered backlash online. Critics said the design evoked blackface and racist imagery associated with 19th-century minstrel shows.
The product was listed as the “Kids’ Glows Under Blacklight Circus Clown Halloween Costume.” It was sold through Target’s seasonal Hyde and EEK! Boutique brand before the retailer removed it from its website and stores.
“As a company, we know we got this wrong, and we are deeply sorry,” Target said in a statement. “The costume is offensive and should never have been part of our assortment. It is no longer available for sale.”
Target issues an apology after pulling a Halloween costume that drew backlash for its resemblance to blackface and minstrel imagery.
“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.” pic.twitter.com/6ZQSlqmL7h
— Pop Base (@PopBase) August 25, 2026
The controversy grew after social-media users shared screenshots of the costume’s product listing. The listing showed a Black child wearing a black-and-orange outfit with black gloves, a small top hat and a mask featuring an exaggerated wide smile.
Critics said the overall presentation resembled long-standing racist caricatures. One Threads user asked whether Target had “anyone left in Minneapolis” who could recognize the merchandise as racist, tying the controversy to the company’s rollback of diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.
Target said it understood the design was especially hurtful to Black customers, team members and business partners. The company said taking the product down was only the first step and that it would examine how the costume entered the assortment and what changes are needed to prevent a repeat.
The episode adds to a difficult stretch for Target’s public image. The retailer has faced backlash from different sides in recent years over its 2023 Pride collection and, later, its scaling back of DEI initiatives after President Trump returned to the White House.
Target said it reduced some diversity programs to respond to what it called an “evolving external landscape.” The company’s latest costume controversy underscores how quickly a product decision can spark national scrutiny and further test consumer trust.