Target CEO defends removal of Pride merchandise: “We had to prioritize the safety of the team”
The CEO of Target has doubled down on removing Pride merchandise earlier this year. Back in May, the popular US-based retailer was targeted by conservative individuals for selling trans-inclusive Pride Month merchandise.
Due to the backlash – which included bomb threats, boycotts, and some of their employees facing violent threats from right-wing customers – Target removed a handful of pieces from the line. “Since introducing this year’s collection, we’ve experienced threats impacting our team members’ sense of safety and well-being while at work … Given these volatile circumstances, we are making adjustments to our plans, including removing items that have been at the center of the most significant confrontational behavior,” a Target spokesperson told The Daily Beast.
Due to Target’s controversial move, the retailer also received backlash from LGBTQIA+ activists and an array of public figures for giving in to conservative bachlash.
In a recent interview with CNBC, the CEO of the popular retailer, Brian Cornell, gave further insight into the situation and what led him to remove the merchandise. “I’ve seen natural disasters.
