Target Apologizes, Pulls Halloween Costume After Backlash

Target has issued an apology after facing intense backlash over a children's Halloween costume that critics say evoked racist minstrel caricatures from the Jim Crow era. The retail giant posted its apology on Monday after an orange-and-black clown costume, along with a promotional image depicting a Black child wearing it, drew widespread condemnation online. According to reports, the controversy generated nearly 100 million views on X as users sounded off on the imagery. Target has since pulled the costume from store shelves. The incident adds to a string of recent controversies for the retailer, which has faced scrutiny over its handling of sensitive marketing decisions. Target has not detailed further corrective steps beyond the apology and product removal.