- Target has issued an apology and withdrawn a children's Halloween costume from sale following widespread social media backlash.
- The costume, modelled by a Black child, featured a mask and outfit that critics compared to racist blackface and minstrel caricatures.
- Target acknowledged the product was offensive, removed it from its site, and launched an internal review into how it was approved for sale.
- Critics linked the oversight to Target's recent decision to scale back its diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives following Donald Trump's return to the White House.
- Retail analysts warned the PR blunder could damage Target's brand reputation and market share as it attempts to recover from sluggish sales.
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