American retail giant Target has apologised and pulled a children's Halloween costume from sale after its design sparked backlash online over alleged similarities to racist blackface and minstrel imagery.
The retailer removed the 'Kids' Glows Under Blacklight Circus Clown Halloween Costume' on Monday, 24 August, after promotional images drew criticism. Target acknowledged that the outfit was offensive, saying it 'should never have been part of our assortment' and that it was reviewing how the product reached the shelves.