Viola Davis refuses to accept an apology issued by Target after the corporation removed a racist Halloween costume from its stores.
Social media users expressed outrage over the “minstrel” costume with racist blackface connotations.
Target’s website showed a Black child wearing a Jester costume featuring a face covering with a wide, toothy smile printed on front.
Target removed the costume from all 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.”
In social media posts on Tuesday, Davis wrote: “Target, I do not accept your apology, and I do not believe that you understand the impact… the pain… the dehumanization of the above. These images laid the foundation and the ideology for every atrocity that has been committed against my people.”
