A photo taken by Rep. Mike Lawler of New York while he was in college nearly 20 years ago shows him wearing blackface as part of a Halloween costume modeled after pop star Michael Jackson. The New York Times reported that. reported on thursday.
The news outlet that obtained the photo reported that he wore the outfit in October 2006 while attending Manhattan College.
Contacted by The Hill about the Times report, Lawler said in a statement: “Eighteen years ago, when I tried to imitate Michael's iconic dance moves at a college Halloween party, I committed the ugly act of blackening my face. was the furthest thing from my mind.” To be clear, this is not the case. ”
“Rather, my costume was intended as a sincere compliment and a pure homage to one of my childhood idols from an early age when I was trying to moonwalk across my mom's kitchen.” He went on to mention that he is a Jackson fan. “I'm a history student, so I apologize to anyone who was offended by this photo. All you can do is live and learn, but I appreciate everyone's blessings along the way. ”
The use of blackface in the United States dates back centuries and is rooted in racist depictions and caricatures of black people, most notably in shows featuring black pastors in which white people darken their faces to appear black.
The report throws an unexpected curveball at Lawler's re-election. The rookie moderate Republican, considered a rising star in the party, is defending a battleground New York congressional district against former New York state Rep. Mondaire Jones, who is Black.
The district is considered a hot spot, with New York seen as crucial for Republicans hoping to maintain their House majority.
