Minneapolis, Minnesota - Target has removed a children's Halloween costume from its stores after the design sparked fierce backlash over its resemblance to racist blackface and minstrel show imagery.

The retailer apologized Monday after pulling the "Kids' Glows under Blacklight Circus Clown" costume, which featured a black-and-orange bodysuit and hood with an exaggerated smile and small top hat.

"We removed an offensive Halloween costume that should never have been part of our assortment," Target said, acknowledging that the company "got this wrong."

Target added that it understood the costume was particularly hurtful to Black customers, employees, and partners and said it would investigate how the product was approved.

Photos advertising the costume showed a young Black boy posing with one arm and leg raised, drawing further criticism over similarities to racist caricatures historically associated with minstrel shows.

Social media users quickly blasted the retailer, with one commenter questioning how the costume managed to pass through multiple levels of approval.

The controversy also reignited anger over Target's decision to roll back diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.

"Mind you Black people were already boycotting Target due to racism… yeah I'm never shopping there again," one critic wrote on X.

Another urged the company to reconsider its DEI rollback, arguing that the costume represented "the latest in a long line of missteps."