NY-17: House Republican apologizes for wearing blackface at 2006 Halloween party
Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) apologized late Thursday night for wearing blackface as part of a Halloween costume portraying pop star Michael Jackson during a college party in 2006.
“Obviously, I can’t change what happened 18 years ago, but I certainly, with wisdom and age, understand that that is not something I would do today and certainly understand why people would be upset or offended by it. And for that, I’m sorry,” Lawler said during an appearance on CNN’s “The Source.”
“But you know, for me, there was no ill intent,” he told host Kaitlan Collins. “There was no effort to malign or make fun of or disparage Black Americans. It was really an effort to pay homage to somebody who was a musical idol for me; I’ve always loved Michael Jackson’s music and his dance moves and his ability to entertain.”
Lawler’s apology came after The New York Times reported on the costume, after obtaining photos from the party at Manhattan College, now known as Manhattan University.
https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/4915512-republican-mike-lawler-apology-blackface-2006-halloween-costume/
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