Images taken of Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) whereas in school almost 20 years in the past present him sporting blackface as a part of a Halloween costume portraying pop star Michael Jackson, The New York Instances reported on Thursday.
The information outlet, which obtained the photographs, reported he wore the costume throughout October 2006 whereas he was attending Manhattan Faculty.
When reached by The Hill concerning the Instances’ report, Lawler stated in a press release that “When attempting to imitate Michael’s iconic dance moves at a college Halloween party eighteen years ago, the ugly practice of black face was the furthest thing from my mind. Let me be clear, this is not that.”
“Rather, my costume was intended as the sincerest form of flattery, a genuine homage to one of my childhood idols since I was a little kid trying to moonwalk through my Mom’s kitchen,” he continued, noting his fandom of Jackson. “I am a student of history and for anyone who takes offense to the photo, I am sorry. All you can do is live and learn, and I appreciate everyone’s grace along the way.”
The usage of blackface in America dates again a number of centuries and is rooted in racist portrayals and caricatures of Black folks, that includes prominently throughout Black ministerial reveals the place white folks darkened their face to seem Black.
The reporting throws an surprising curveball in Lawler’s reelection bid. The freshman Republican reasonable has been thought-about a rising star within the celebration, however is defending a battleground Home district in New York in opposition to former Rep. Mondaire Jones (D-N.Y.), who’s Black.
The district is taken into account a toss-up, and New York is seen as essential to Republicans’ hopes of sustaining their Home majority.
