Target Pulls Children’s Clown Costume Following Backlash Over Racist Imagery

The $25 “Kids’ Glows Under Blacklight Circus Clown Halloween Costume” was sold under Target’s seasonal Hyde and EEK! Boutique brand. The orange-and-black outfit included gloves and a hooded face covering featuring an exaggerated smile and a miniature top hat.

Images advertising the costume showed a Black child modeling the outfit. Following backlash on social media, Target removed the product 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.”

The retailer acknowledged that the product was especially hurtful to its Black customers, employees and business partners. Target said removing the costume was an important first step and that it is reviewing how the item was approved for sale.

The company has not identified the costume’s designer or provided details about its product-approval process. Target said it will determine what changes are necessary to prevent a similar incident from happening again.