DEI DITCH

Target Removes Blackface Halloween Costume After Racism Backlash

The move comes after President Donald Trump pressured companies to remove DEI programs.

Target has removed a racist Halloween “clown” costume that it was selling on Monday amid online backlash. The costume was titled “Kids’ Glows Under ‌Blacklight Circus Clown Halloween Costume.“ Part of the seasonal “Hyde and EEK Boutique” brand, the costume drew blackface allegations as consumers felt it emulated old minstrel cartoons. “As a company, we know we got this wrong, and we are deeply sorry. The costume is offensive and should never have been part of our assortment,” a company spokesperson said in a statement to FOX Business. “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.” The retailer scaled back on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion early last year after President Donald Trump increased pressure on the private sector to dismantle programs. Although Target apologized, anger remains simmering online. “You really don’t have anyone left in Minneapolis to say, ‘Hey, that’s racist’? Y’all cut DEI and now you’ve got a minstrel clown costume for kids on your website,” one user said on Threads. The Daily Beast has reached out to Target for comment.