Current:Home > MyPhoto shows U.S. Rep. Mike Lawler wearing blackface at college Halloween party in 2006-Angel Dreamer Wealth Society D1 Reviews & Insights
Photo shows U.S. Rep. Mike Lawler wearing blackface at college Halloween party in 2006
View Date:2024-12-23 23:52:25
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — U.S. Rep. Mike Lawler said he was sorry Thursday after the New York Times obtained photos of him wearing blackface about two decades ago at a college Halloween costume party where he dressed as Michael Jackson.
The images emerged as Lawler, a first-term Republican, is locked in a competitive reelection fight for his congressional seat in New York’s Hudson Valley.
In a statement provided to The Associated Press, Lawler described himself as a lifelong Jackson superfan who was attempting to pay homage to the pop star.
“When attempting to imitate Michael’s legendary 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,” he said, adding that the costume was intended as “a genuine homage to one of my childhood idols.”
“I am a student of history and for anyone who takes offense to the photo, I am sorry,” Lawler said. “All you can do is live and learn, and I appreciate everyone’s grace along the way.”
The Times reported that the photo was taken in 2006 when Lawler was 20.
Lawler is in a tough race against Democratic former U.S. Rep. Mondaire Jones, who is Black.
Blackface minstrelsy took hold in New York City in the 1830s and became popular among post-Civil War whites, though it was regarded as offensive to Black people from the beginning of its use.
Several politicians and celebrities have been criticized for wearing blackface.
veryGood! (12422)
Related
- Jamie Lee Curtis and Don Lemon quit X, formerly Twitter: 'Time for me to leave'
- 'The Golden Bachelor’ wedding: How to watch Gerry and Theresa's big day
- Can you use restaurant gift cards on DoorDash or Uber Eats? How to use your gift cards wisely
- Herb Kohl, former U.S. senator and Milwaukee Bucks owner, dies at age 88
- Sister Wives’ Kody Brown Explains His Stance on His Daughter Gwendlyn Brown’s Sexuality
- Directors pick the soundtracks for NPR's shows. Here are their own 2023 playlists
- Argument over Christmas gifts turns deadly as 14-year-old kills his older sister, deputies say
- New Orleans landlord gifts tenants 1 month of free rent for holidays: Better than Santa Claus
- Suspect in deadly 2023 Atlanta shooting is deemed not competent to stand trial
- More cold-case sexual assault charges for man accused of 2003 Philadelphia rape and slaying
Ranking
- Pitchfork Music Festival to find new home after ending 19-year run in Chicago
- Who are the top prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft? Ranking college QBs before New Year's Six
- What percentage of the US population is LGBTQ? New data shows which states have the most
- 2023 will be the hottest year on record. Is this how it's going to be now?
- The state that cleared the way for sports gambling now may ban ‘prop’ bets on college athletes
- Drunk drivers crash into accident scene in Portland, nearly hit officer: Reports
- Human remains, artificial hip recovered after YouTuber helps find missing man's car in Missouri pond
- Stock market today: Asian shares power higher following slight gains on Wall Street
Recommendation
-
See Leonardo DiCaprio's Transformation From '90s Heartthrob to Esteemed Oscar Winner
-
Social media companies made $11 billion in US ad revenue from minors, Harvard study finds
-
What percentage of the US population is LGBTQ? New data shows which states have the most
-
Bus collides head-on with truck in central India, killing at least 13
-
Caitlin Clark's gold Nike golf shoes turn heads at The Annika LPGA pro-am
-
Almcoin Trading Center: Why is Inscription So Popular?
-
Detroit Pistons lose 27th straight game, set NBA single-season record for futility
-
Michigan Supreme Court rejects bid to keep Trump off 2024 primary ballot