Reports that bombs were placed in Target stores have turned out to be a hoax. USA Today and other outlets published the story, despite confirmation from the FBI that there was no threat. Target locations in Utah, Ohio, and Pennsylvania apparently received an email stating that bombs had been planted in listed outlets. The email appeared to be from LGBTQ activists threatening revenge for Target’s decision to move some of its Pride merchandise away from the front entrance of its stores.
Cops now say the whole thing was faked and the email appears to have come from overseas.
The scandal began when retail giant Target began stocking new merchandise to celebrate Pride Month in June. Included was a swimming costume for women which was fixed with a label describing it as “tuck friendly.” This means that it can disguise male genitalia so that men can appear female while wearing it. The swimsuit caused an outcry from women. A video made by comedian Chrissie Mayr examining the garment went viral.
Social media users, encouraged by high-profile conservatives including Candace Owens, organized a boycott and almost $10 billion was wiped off Target’s value as a result.
CEO Brian Cornell however continued to defend the company’s decision despite the loss in value. He said Target was determined to cater to a “diverse” customer base and the Pride products were a “good business decision” and “good for society.”
“When we think about purpose at Target, it’s really about helping all the families, and that ‘all’ word is really important,” Cornell said.
Meanwhile, Texas Senator Ted Cruz weighed into the controversy and said Target’s boycott and loss of sales are well deserved. He said the retail chain failed to recognize its core market and disrespected most of its customers. “Conservatives have typically been not very good at boycotts,” he said. The Senator added, however, that Target and other companies, including Bud Light, had gone too far.
