Target is pulling a Halloween costume that is said to evoke blackface and racist imagery.
"We removed an offensive Halloween costume that should never have been part of our assortment," Target's statement read. "It is no longer for sale. As a company, we got this wrong, and we are deeply sorry. We know this is especially hurtful for our Black guests, team members and partners.
"Removing the costume is an important first step, and we are looking closely at how this happened and what needs to change to ensure this won't happen again.
"As a company, we know we got this wrong, and we are deeply sorry. The costume is offensive and should never have been part of our assortment."
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According to PEOPLE, in photos of the now-deleted costume, sold as "Kids' Glows under Blacklight Circus Clown," a young Black boy modeled the outfit, which featured a black-and-orange printed bodysuit and hood with an exaggerated smile and mini top hat.
The model's pose, in which he stands with one leg and arm raised in a waving gesture, particularly sparked criticism for its affiliation with Jim Crow-era negative depictions of Black people, according to The Cut.
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