Target Apologizes, Pulls 'Offensive' Halloween Costume After Backlash: 'We Know We Got This Wrong'

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — Minneapolis-based Target has apologized and pulled a children's Halloween costume from sale after social media users said the design evoked racist blackface and minstrel-era imagery.

The costume, sold as the "Kids' Glows Under Blacklight Circus Clown Halloween Costume" through Target's Hyde and EEK Boutique Halloween collection, was removed from the retailer's website over the weekend after screenshots of the product circulated online.

Critics said the dark hood and exaggerated wide smile printed on the costume resembled historical minstrel and blackface caricatures.

"Target, for real? I’m not surprised, but this is a new low," comedian LaTrez Anderson said in an Instagram Reel post.

"As a company, we know we got this wrong, and we are deeply sorry," the Minneapolis-based retailer 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."