Target Pulls Kids’ Clown Costume Following Blackface Backlash

The costume, sold under Target’s seasonal Hyde and EEK! Boutique brand, was called the “Kids’ Glows Under Blacklight Circus Clown Halloween Costume.” It featured a black-and-orange bodysuit, a matching hood with an exaggerated grin, and a small top hat. Photos from the deleted listing showed a young Black boy modeling the outfit with one arm and one leg raised. Critics argued that the costume, facial design, and pose looked similar to racist caricatures of Black people from the Jim Crow era. Many believed that it was also reminiscent of the white performers in 19th-century minstrel shows, in which they would darken their skin and use exaggerated clothing, expressions, and movements to mock Black people. Those performances helped spread dehumanizing stereotypes that continued through the Jim Crow era. Target apologized and confirmed that the costume was no longer available for purchase, writing, "An apology from us: We removed an offensive Halloween costume that should never have been part of our assortment. It is no longer for sale. As a company, we got this wrong, and we are deeply sorry." The company also acknowledged the specific effect the costume had on Black customers and employees: "We know this is especially hurtful for our Black guests, team members and partners. Removing the costume is an important first step, and we are looking closely at how this happened and what needs to change to ensure this won’t happen again." Target has not identified the costume’s designer or explained how the product was approved for sale. Shoppers Question How the Costume Was Approved The listing quickly drew criticism online, with many shoppers wondering how the costume made it through Target’s review process without anyone raising concerns. “The amount of people this costume had to go through to get approved says A. LOT. WHAT YEAR IS IT!?” one person wrote beneath Target’s apology. Comedian LaTrez Anderson also criticized the retailer in a since-deleted Instagram Reel. “Target, for real? I’m not surprised, but this is a new low,” he said, according to The Cut . While the Target costume was marketed as a circus clown rather than a racial character, critics said its overall appearance was too similar to that history to ignore.