Actress, chef, and entrepreneur Tabitha Brown is addressing the backlash following her comments about Target and its ongoing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) rollback.
The celebrity, whose haircare brand Donna’s Recipe is sold at Target through a licensing deal, said her remarks were misinterpreted and aimed at protecting small Black-owned businesses entering the retailer for the first time.
In an interview on iHeartPodcast’s Not My Best Moment with KevOnStage, Brown explained that her concern centered on how Target’s DEI cutbacks could impact Black entrepreneurs preparing for the Black History Month launch.
“I own multiple businesses. Don’t worry about me. But these other people, some of these Black-owned businesses, it’s their first time being in the store. This is why I was really so upset,” she said.
Brown admitted that messages from other content creators and business owners seeking guidance prompted her to speak up.
“Some people are like, ‘I ain’t boycotting.’ I’m like, ‘Listen, I understand. But if you do, great. If you decide not to, please only buy Black. Only support those businesses because the numbers don’t lie,’” she explained.
Despite her intentions, Brown’s earlier posts were widely misinterpreted, with misinformation circulating online suggesting she had the ability to remove all Black-owned products from Target shelves. Brown clarified that her licensing deal would make this legally and financially impossible. She also criticized Pastor Jamal Bryant for allegedly spreading false claims implying she could pull her products from stores.
Reflecting on the experience, Brown said it taught her valuable lessons about advocacy and contract negotiations. Going forward, she plans to include a dual morality clause in all her agreements.
“I spent time seeking clarity with God and learning lessons,” Brown said, highlighting the personal growth she has gained from navigating the controversy.
Her clarification demonstrates that her primary concern has been protecting small business owners rather than undermining consumer choice.
