Target Issues Apology for Questionable Taste: Retailer Catches Heat from Customers for an "Illegal Alien" Halloween Costume
Target has said that an "illegal alien" costume for sale on its website appeared there "by mistake" because an employee inadvertently entered a wrong number into the system, and has been removed — but not before many customers and Hispanic groups called the retailer out for its display of insensitivity and poor taste. The costume featured an alien mask, a jail outfit with "illegal alien" stamped on the chest and a large "green card."
"It's insensitive, it's offensive," said Vicki Adame, a California media relations consultant who complained to Target after learning about the costume on a Facebook site, "Wise Latinas Linked," which lists 2,200 members, the Star Tribune reports. "Immigration is such a hot-button issue. Why is Target fueling that fire?"
Target spokesman Joshua Thomas explained the employee error, adding that. Target has a strict review process with its vendors, reports Star Tribune writer Jackie Crosby. "We apologize. This was never intended to be part of our assortment. We are moving as quickly as possible to remove it from our website."
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