CNBC spoke with Target CEO Brian Cornell about ongoing backlash against the company for promoting LGBTQ merchandise and displays ahead of Pride Month.
Target CEO Brian Cornell suggested that the backlash the retail giant faced back in May over its LGBTQ Pride displays was the first time some team members claimed it was 'not safe' at work. Cornell appeared on CNBC Thursday where he discussed declining sales, particularly following protests and critiques of its Pride Month merchandise.
Target rolled out its annual Pride Month displays in May and faced greater scrutiny after customers found 'tuck-friendly' women’s swimsuits for transgender people as well as items marketed towards children and infants. After images went viral, Target stores quickly began removing Pride displays and placing them in less prominent areas. Cornell defended the move despite facing a new backlash from several LGBTQ organizations for allegedly caving in to 'extremists.
You and I both know those weren’t true,' Cornell told CNBC’s Becky Quick. While there was no clear evidence of transgender swimsuits marketed towards kids, Target previously worked with the U.K.-based brand Abprallen for Pride Month. The brand has displayed merchandise with messages such as 'Satan respects pronouns,' and the designer, Erik Carnell, has espoused Satanic beliefs.
Target later pulled his merchandise from shelves in a move Cornell called a 'dangerous precedent.' Fox News Digital reached out to Target for comment but has yet to receive a response. For more Culture, Media, Education, Opinion, and channel coverage, visit foxnews.com/media.
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