Target withdraws clown costume after backlash over alleged Blackface imagery

Target faced a wave of criticism on social media after a clown-themed Halloween costume for children was accused of echoing Blackface and 19th-century minstrel tropes. The product, listed under the Hyde and EEK Boutique brand, was quickly withdrawn, and a company representative acknowledged the mistake and expressed regret to Black shoppers and staff. The retailer said the removal was a first step while it reviews internal processes to prevent similar lapses.

This episode follows earlier disputes over Target's Pride Collection and its scaling back of diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives after policy shifts linked to the Trump administration. Critics have highlighted the pattern as evidence of a broader retreat from corporate DEI commitments. The controversy has added to recent reputational challenges that have impacted the company's sales performance.