Target forced to issue apology over offensive Halloween costume
Warning: This article contains images and discussion of racial discrimination which some readers may find distressing.
Target has issued an apology after it was accused of selling a racist halloween costume to children.
The retailer has removed the $25 clown outfit from their website, named ‘Kids’ Glows Under Blacklight Circus Clown’.
Modelled by a young Black boy, the orange halloween bodysuit features black gloves and a dark hood with a painted-on, exaggerated smile.
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According to screenshots, the boy posed with one leg bent backward, one arm held up in a wave, a stance commonly seen in racist caricatures perpetuated by Jim Crow–era stereotypes.
“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. 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.”
Over a thousand people took to social media to comment on LaTrez Anderson’s Instagram Reel post, as the comedian complained: “Target, for real? I’m not surprised, but this is a new low.”
Many viewers referenced Target’s widespread boycotts from several different advocacy groups and shoppers due to major controversies surrounding its diversity policies, immigration stances and merchandise choices.
“I hadn't been to Target before the boycott nor after. This is so damn wild beyond words,” one person said.
“That’s why they still losing money from the boycott,” another penned.
“Target keeps digging a deeper hole,” a third wrote.
Target boycott explained
In early 2025, Target announced it was phasing out long-standing diversity goals, eliminating minority employee hiring targets, and ending an executive committee focused on racial justice.
This rolled back commitments the company made following the murder of George Floyd.
Activists accused Target of ‘bowing to bigotry’ and caving to political pressure.
Prominent figures and groups launched a ‘Target Fast’ and ongoing boycott, demanding that Target restore its DEI commitments, fulfill its $2 billion pledge to Black businesses and support historically Black colleges and universities.
Earlier this year, Target faced a major hit to its back-to-school shopping season due to calls for a boycott from the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), which represents nearly 1.9 million members.
The boycott was sparked by federal immigration enforcement actions known as ‘Operation Metro Surge’ in Minnesota.
Activists reported that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents used Target parking lots as staging areas and detained individuals.
The AFT and local labor unions called for the boycott because Target refused to publicly denounce the ICE surge or ‘stand up to ICE’ despite months of community demands.
Target said in response that it ‘is more committed than ever to creating growth and opportunity for all’.
“We’re pleased to be moving forward, and we will continue showing up as trusted neighbors while delivering results for our team members, guests, and the more than 2,000 communities in which we serve. Because when those communities thrive, so do we,” they added.
LADbible Group has contacted Target for further comment.
Anish Vij