Photos show NY Republican in blackface as part of Michael Jackson Halloween costume
Photos taken of Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) while in college nearly 20 years ago show him wearing blackface as part of a Halloween costume portraying pop star Michael Jackson, The New York Times reported on Thursday.
The news outlet, which obtained the photos, reported he wore the costume during October 2006 while he was attending Manhattan College.
When reached by The Hill regarding the Times’ report, Lawler said in a statement 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 use of blackface in America dates back several centuries and is rooted in racist portrayals and caricatures of Black people, featuring prominently during Black ministerial shows where white people darkened their face to appear Black.
The reporting throws an unexpected curveball in Lawler’s reelection bid. The freshman Republican moderate has been considered a rising star in the party, but is defending a battleground House district in New York against former Rep. Mondaire Jones (D-N.Y.), who is Black.
The district is considered a toss-up, and New York is seen as crucial to Republicans' hopes of maintaining their House majority.
Date: |
-
Top stories - CBS News
Rep. Mike Lawler apologizes for wearing blackface at 2006 party
"The ugly practice of blackface was the furthest thing from my mind," the New York Republican said.2 hours ago -
Top stories - The New York Times
Photos Show Rep. Mike Lawler in Blackface as Michael Jackson
Representative Mike Lawler, a Republican locked in a tight race for re-election, dressed as the pop star for Halloween as a college student in 2006.7 hours ago -
Politics - NBC News
Controversy over New York congressman shown in blackface in photo
A controversy erupted over a photo of New York Republican Rep. Mike Lawler, who was seen in blackface wearing a Michael Jackson costume while a college student. Lawler says he was a big fan of ...3 hours ago - New York -
Politics - The Hill
Democrat Mondaire Jones announces nearly $3M fundraising haul in NY House race
Former Rep. Mondaire Jones’s (D-N.Y.) campaign announced Thursday that the candidate had raked in $2.9 million in the third quarter of fundraising this year, a number that was first shared with The ...4 hours ago -
Politics - NBC News
Harris will campaign in Wisconsin, part of her efforts to shore up the ‘blue wall’
Trump to rally in Michigan, Harris in neighboring Wisconsin15 hours ago -
Business - The New York Times
Federal Judge Clears Path for Part of Biden’s Student Loan Plan
The ruling by a judge in Georgia could be just a temporary reprieve for the plan, which still faces legal challenges in another state.5 hours ago - Joe Biden
More from The Hill
-
Politics - The Hill
Boris Johnson says Trump presidency would have prevented Ukraine invasion
Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson suggested that Donald Trump's presidency would have prevented Russia from invading Ukraine in 2022. Johnson said that Ukraine’s resistance is ...1 hour ago - Ukraine -
Politics - The Hill
Biden declares ‘collective bargaining works’ after deal struck
President Biden on Thursday hailed the agreement made between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) union and the U.S. Maritime Alliance (USMX) to end the port strike, arguing that ...2 hours ago - Joe Biden -
Politics - The Hill
Liz Cheney makes case for Harris in Wisconsin
Former Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.) made a campaign appearance Thursday in Ripon, Wis., known as the birthplace of the Republican Party, with Vice President Harris, a pairing of a former House GOP ...2 hours ago - Kamala Harris -
Politics - The Hill
Boris Johnson: Netanyahu may have bugged my bathroom
Former United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson alleged in an interview with The Telegraph that his staff found a "listening device" in his personal bathroom after Israeli Prime Minister ...2 hours ago -
Politics - The Hill
Ex-Nevada gubernatorial candidate convicted in federal wire fraud case
Former Nevada gubernatorial candidate Michele Fiore (R) was convicted in a federal wire fraud case on Thursday. Fiore, a former Las Vegas City Councilwoman, was convicted by a jury on federal wire ...2 hours ago