Viola Davis slams Target’s apology after stores pull offensive kids’ Halloween costume: ‘You are not on OUR side’

Live updates

1. 16d ago

   Viola Davis rejects Target's apology over racist Halloween costume

   Viola Davis has rejected Target's apology for selling a children's clown Halloween costume described as offensive and hurtful. The costume featured imagery compared to minstrel shows and racist blackface. Target pulled the costume and issued a public apology, but Davis stated that the company is "not on OUR side". Civil rights leaders have pledged to continue a boycott of Target.

   Why it matters

   The controversy has had financial implications for Target, with reports indicating a drop in Target stock following the accusations of racism. The incident highlights the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in product offerings. Target's handling of the situation has been criticized by some as insufficient.

   What is confirmed

   • Target pulled the children's clown Halloween costume from sale
   • Target issued a public apology for selling the costume
   • Viola Davis stated that Target is "not on OUR side"
   • The controversy has had financial implications for Target

   Still unconfirmed

   • Reports indicate a drop in Target stock following the accusations of racism

   What to watch next

   • Further developments in the boycott of Target
   • Target's response to ongoing criticism from civil rights leaders
   • Any additional statements from Viola Davis or other celebrities
   Sources used for this update (4)

   1. Valley News Live — ‘We are not satisfied with an apology’ | Minnesota civil rights leaders pledge to continue Target boycott
   2. Forbes — Target's Racist Costume Scandal Is What Happens Without DEI
   3. FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul — National Target Boycott leaders demand answers over racist Halloween costume
   4. The Providence Journal — Why Viola Davis says Target's clown Halloween costume apology isn't enough
   confidence 90%
2. 18d ago

   Viola Davis Rejects Target Apology Over Racist Children's Costume

   Viola Davis has rejected an apology from Target after the retailer pulled a children's clown Halloween costume described as offensive and hurtful. The product faced intense backlash for featuring imagery compared to minstrel shows and racist blackface. While Target stopped selling the costume and issued a public apology, Davis stated that the company is "not on OUR side." The controversy has had financial implications for the retailer, with reports indicating a drop in Target stock following the accusations of racism.

   Why it matters

   The dispute centers on the historical trauma associated with minstrelsy and blackface in American culture. By selling a costume with these features, Target triggered a wider debate on corporate accountability and racial sensitivity in product design.

   What is confirmed

   • Target stopped selling a children's clown Halloween costume it called offensive and hurtful.
   • The costume was criticized for having features reminiscent of minstrel shows and racist blackface.
   • Target issued an apology following the backlash.
   • Viola Davis rejected the apology, stating, "You are not on OUR side."

   Still unconfirmed

   • Target stock dropped after the costume was criticized as racist.
   • Blackface is the wrong word to describe the product Target sold.

   What to watch next

   • Further statements from Target leadership regarding product vetting processes
   • Potential boycotts or consumer protests led by public figures
   • Financial reports detailing the exact impact on stock value
   Sources used for this update (8)

   1. CBS News — Target stops selling Halloween costume it calls "offensive" and "hurtful"
   2. CNN — Target apologizes for children’s clown Halloween costume after backlash | CNN Business
   3. Forbes — Target Stock Drops After Halloween Costume Criticized As Racist
   4. NPR — Target faces renewed backlash for Halloween costume with 'minstrel show features'
   5. The Washington Post — Column | Why Target’s now-pulled Halloween clown costume was so offensive
   6. Entertainment Weekly — Viola Davis slams Target’s apology after stores pull offensive kids’ Halloween costume: ‘You are not on OUR side’
   7. Madison365 — Blackface is the wrong word for what Target sold
   8. www.aol.com — Viola Davis Refuses Target’s Apology After Kids’ Halloween Costume Backlash
   confidence 90%