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Target apologizes for children’s clown Halloween costume after backlash
CNN • • general
Key Points:
- Target apologized and removed a Halloween costume from sale after critics said it resembled Blackface and minstrel show caricatures, calling the product offensive and inappropriate.
- The costume was sold under Target’s seasonal Hyde and EEK Boutique brand, and the company is reviewing how it was approved for sale.
- Some Black shoppers linked the incident to recent rollbacks in Target’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, expressing feelings of alienation and disappointment.
- The controversy adds to Target’s recent public relations challenges amid efforts to improve sales and brand reputation under new CEO Michael Fiddelke.
- Despite the backlash, Target’s shares rose 2.7%, but analysts warn such missteps could hinder the company’s progress in regaining market share.
