Target removed a children’s Halloween costume and issued an apology after complaints from customers that the costume was racist.
According to The Washington Post, the costume was marketed as “Kids’ Glows under Blacklight Circus Clown Halloween Costume.” Target’s website showed a Black child wearing a Jester costume featuring a face covering with a wide, toothy smile printed on front.
Social media users expressed outrage over the “minstrel” costume with racist blackface connotations.
Target removed the costume from stores and issued an apology, saying it should not have been featured in stores.
“As a company, we know we got this wrong, and we are deeply sorry,” a spokesperson said in a statement.
“The costume is offensive and should never have been part of our assortment. It is no longer available for sale. We know this is especially hurtful for our Black guests, team members and partners. Removing the costume is an important first step, and the company is looking closely at how this happened and what needs to change to ensure this won’t happen again.”