Target confirms 'adjustments' to Pride plans after LGBTQ merchandise caused 'threats' to employees

FIRST ON FOX – Target confirmed "adjustments" to the Pride merchandising plans are underway after Fox News Digital learned it rolled back displays at some of its locations.

"For more than a decade, Target has offered an assortment of products aimed at celebrating Pride Month. Since introducing this year’s collection, we've experienced threats impacting our team members’ sense of safety and wellbeing 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. Our focus now is on moving forward with our continuing commitment to the LGBTQIA+ community and standing with them as we celebrate Pride Month and throughout the year," a Target spokesperson told Fox News Digital.

Earlier on Tuesday, Fox News Digital first reported that some southern Target stores were forced by the corporation to move LGBTQ Pride merchandise away from the front of their locations after customer "outrage" to avoid a "Bud Light situation."

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Target Pride merchandise includes female-style swimsuits that can be used to "tuck" male genitalia, products labeled as "Thoughtfully fit on multiple body types and gender expressions," a "Gender Fluid" mug, a variety of adult clothing with slogans such as "Super Queer," party supplies, home decor, multiple books and a "Grow At Your Own Pace" saucer planter.

Critics are particularly peeved about Target Pride merchandise for children, which includes onesies and rompers for newborn babies and along with other apparel for kids of all ages. 

While many stores have made "adjustments," Pride merchandise remains prominently displayed at other Target locations across America and on the Target website.

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A Target insider told Fox News Digital that many locations, mostly in rural areas of the South, have relocated Pride sections to avoid the kind of backlash Bud Light has received in recent weeks after using a transgender influencer in a promotional campaign. 

A Target insider said there were "emergency" calls on Friday and that some managers and district senior directors were told to tamp down the Pride sections immediately. They were given 36 hours to make the changes. 

"We call our customers ‘guests,’ there is outrage on their part. This year, it is just exponentially more than any other year," the Target insider said. "I think given the current situation with Bud Light, the company is terrified of a Bud Light situation."

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The insider said the "emergency" calls began with roughly 10 minutes on "how to deal with team member safety" and included Target Asset Protect & Corporate Security teams because of the amount of backlash the Pride merchandise has generated. Once the safety instructions were over, Target honchos quickly urged managers to make changes to Pride displays. 

"Everyone was like, ‘Thank God,’ because we’re all on the front lines dealing with it," the insider said. 

Fox News Digital has confirmed rural Target stores in South Carolina, Arkansas and Georgia are among the locations to move the Pride sections. Most rank-and-file employees were left in the dark, with many not knowing the Pride sections would be moved until they noticed it themselves.

Fox News’ Joseph A. Wulfsohn contributed to this report. 

Michigan man accused of gunning ex-girlfriend down with shotgun in front of their 10-year-old child

A Michigan man allegedly murdered his ex-girlfriend on Saturday in front of their young child, according to prosecutors.

Gregory Keyier-Deniro Davis, 43, was charged with first-degree premeditated murder, felon in possession of a firearm, assault with intent to murder, four counts of felony firearm second offense, and felonious assault, according to FOX 2. He was arraigned on Tuesday.

Prosecutors said Davis followed Anni Namou to the car dealership Legend Motors, where she worked. Officials said Davis used his car to block her vehicle in.

While the woman ran away, Davis is accused of shooting her twice, including one time with a 12 gauge semi-automatic shotgun at close range. The couple's 10-year-old child witnessed the shooting from Namou's car.

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According to the Oakland County Prosecutor's Office, Davis pointed the gun at other people and fired more shots.

Davis later turned himself into authorities.

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Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald said that the incident was "horrific and tragic."

"Every month an average of 70 women are shot and killed by an intimate partner in this country. This event occurred in a place of business where other employees were just a few feet away. My office has charged this individual with first-degree murder, the most serious charge under Michigan law, and we will vigorously prosecute this perpetrator for his alleged actions," McDonald said.

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