
Target said it will remove some products related to Pride Month from its stores after a backlash from customers has threatened employee safety.
In the US, Target sells a rainbow-themed range of clothing, decor, and other items for the LGBT celebration, and has done so for over a decade. However, the reaction this year has taken a dark turn.
“Since introducing this year’s collection, we’ve experienced threats impacting our team members’ sense of safety and well-being while at work,” a spokesperson for the branch said, noting that angry customers have confronted workers in stores, knocked down displays and posted threats on social media.
“We have a longstanding commitment to the LGBTQ community, and we stand firm in that,” the spokeswoman said, “but the reality is that the safety situation has become untenable.”
In some cases, people have confronted workers in stores, knocked down Pride merchandise displays and put threatening posts on social media with video from inside stores, the spokeswoman said.
Target is still deciding which items to remove.