Target Apologizes After Pulling Offensive Halloween Costume

Imagine getting on Facebook and seeing Target, a major retailer, issuing an apology for selling one specific kid's costume.  Well, it happened.

Target has apologized after pulling a Halloween costume that sparked backlash online over concerns that it resembled a racist caricature used in minstrel shows.

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The retailed removed is "Kids' Glows Under Blacklight Circus Clown Halloween Costume" from stores and online after people criticized the design.  The costume featured a Black child wearing a bright orange and black top, solid black gloves and a mask with a wide, toothy smile.

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Critics said the combination of the mask, gloves and pose resemble racist depictions of people historically used in minstrel shows.

Target acknowledged the controversy in a statement, saying the costume was "offensive and should never have been part of our assortment."

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They said they are "deeply sorry," particularly to its Black customers, employees and business partners.  They also said removed the costume is only the first step.

The company says it is looking into how the costume made it into its assortment and what changes need to be made to prevent something similar from happening again.

This isn't the first time this retailer has faced criticism, either.  Last year, activists called for a boycott after Target rolled back some of its diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.  Now, Target is facing another question about its decision-making and review process.  They haven't publicly detailed exactly how the costume was approved or how long it was available for purchase.  For now, the costume is off the sales floor, and Target says it is taking a closer look at how the mistake happened.

Here's a glimpse of what people are saying about the costume situation: