Target Pulls Children’s Halloween Costume After Backlash

Minneapolis-based Target has removed a children’s Halloween costume from sale and apologized following criticism that it resembled racist caricatures associated with minstrel shows.

The product was listed as a blacklight circus-clown costume. Images showed an orange-and-black outfit with black gloves and a mask featuring an exaggerated smile.

Target says the costume was offensive and should never have been offered. The retailer says it is reviewing how the product reached its assortment and what changes are needed to prevent a similar mistake.