Target is issuing an apology.
The retailer spoke out to address backlash over a children’s Halloween costume that it was allegedly selling under the name “Kids’ Glows Under Blacklight Circus Clown.”
“An apology from us: We pulled an offensive Halloween costume that should never have been part of our assortment,” Target wrote in a statement to X Aug. 24. “As a company, we got this wrong, and we are deeply sorry.”
The corporation said that the bodysuit—which drew comparisons to “racist minstrel imagery” on social media—is no longer for sale.
“We know this is especially hurtful for our Black guests, team members and partners,” the statement continued. “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.”
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Many social media users had condemned the offensive costume, saying it resembled a racist caricature.
One user said that the outfit—which featured black and orange patterns, black gloves and an exaggerated smile—”looks like it’s straight out of the Jim Crow era if Black folks had a seat at the table.”
“They literally had this black boy mimicking the exact same poses as minstrels,” another person wrote. “There’s no way that’s a ‘clown’ costume. Disgusting.”
Target’s other Halloween costumes for 2026 include ones inspired by Super Mario, Disney princesses, Wednesday Addams, the Incredibles, Elmo and more characters.
The company has faced backlash in the past over seasonal merchandise, including in 2023 when it issued a statement over its Pride Month collection.
“Since introducing this year’s collection, we’ve experienced threats impacting our team members’ sense of safety and well-being while at work,” read a statement at the time. “Given these volatile circumstances, we are making adjustments to our plans, including removing items that have been at the center of the most significant confrontational behavior.”
It added, “Our focus now is on moving forward with our continuing commitment to the LGBTQIA+ community and standing with them as we celebrate Pride Month and throughout the year.”
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