Target CEO Defends Removal of Pride Month Displays Following Safety Threats and Sales Decline

CEO Brian Cornell describes backlash over LGBTQ merchandise as unprecedented in severity, including threats, destruction of merchandise, and aggressive behavior at stores; removal of items was aimed at ensuring staff safety.

Target CEO Brian Cornell defended the company's decision to remove some LGBTQ Pride merchandise from store shelves, citing serious safety threats to employees and aggressive behavior at stores.
The backlash faced in response to Pride Month displays and merchandise was described as unprecedented, with employees feeling more unsafe than during natural disasters or racial protests.
The aggressive reactions included threats, merchandise destruction, disruption at cashier areas, and attempts to light products on fire in the stores.
Despite the backlash that resulted in a dip in second-quarter sales, Cornell reassures that the Pride merchandise controversy is no longer causing financial impact on the company.
In spite of criticism from human rights organizations and assertions of bowing to an anti-LGBTQ agenda, Cornell maintains the decision to remove the merchandise prioritized employees' safety.