“I Do Not Accept Your Apology,” Viola Davis Told Target After Its Halloween Costume Sparked Backlash

28 Aug 2026, 21:30 · Thought Catalog

ROBYN BECK / AFP via Getty Images

Updated 1 minute ago, August 28, 2026

Target apologized for a children’s Halloween costume that drew accusations of racism. Viola Davis told the retailer the apology didn’t cut it: she doesn’t believe the company grasps the impact, or the pain.

Viola Davis rejected Target’s apology for an offensive children’s Halloween costume, saying she doesn’t believe the company understands “the impact…the pain.”

Viola Davis speaks with both hands raised during a conversation about ‘Judge Stone’ at 92NY in New York City on March 9, 2026. Photo by Dia Dipasupil / Getty Images.

The costume sparked backlash before the retailer issued its statement. Davis wasn’t satisfied, telling Target directly, “I do not accept your apology.”

SAG Award in hand, Viola Davis addresses the audience after winning Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role for ‘Fences’ at the 23rd Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards in Los Angeles on January 29, 2017. Photo by Robyn Beck / AFP via Getty Images.

She shared her full response publicly, making clear the apology fell short of the harm she felt the product caused.

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