Target, a U.S. retail giant, has removed a Halloween costume from its stores and online assortment following widespread backlash over imagery critics said resembled racist caricatures of Black people.
The costume, known as the “Kids’ Glows Under Blacklight Circus Clown Halloween Costume Bodysuit,” featured a young Black child model and sparked criticism on social media, with users questioning how the product passed the company’s review process.
Target confirmed the removal of the costume and issued an apology, admitting that the product should not have been included in its assortment.
“We removed an offensive Halloween costume that should never have been part of our assortment,” the company said in a statement.
Target added that it had made a mistake and was deeply sorry for the incident.
“We know this is especially hurtful for our Black guests, team members and partners,” the retailer said.
The company said removing the costume was only the first step and that it was reviewing how the product entered its assortment.
It said the review would also determine what changes were necessary to prevent a similar incident in the future.
The controversy comes more than a year after Target faced criticism over changes to its diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.
The development has renewed discussions about product review processes, racial sensitivity and corporate accountability among major retailers.
