U.S. Rep. Mike Lawler issued an apology after images of him wearing blackface at a college Halloween party about two decades ago surfaced. The photos, obtained by The New York Times, show Lawler dressed as Michael Jackson.
Lawler, a first-term Republican, expressed regret for his actions as he is currently engaged in a competitive reelection campaign for his congressional seat in New York's Hudson Valley.
In a statement, Lawler explained that his intention was to pay homage to the pop star, whom he described as a childhood idol. He clarified that he did not have any malicious intent and that he was merely attempting to imitate Jackson's dance moves.
The incident occurred in 2006 when Lawler was 20 years old. He acknowledged the historical significance of blackface minstrelsy, a practice that originated in New York City in the 1830s and was considered offensive to Black people from its inception.
Lawler's opponent in the upcoming election is Democratic former U.S. Rep. Mondaire Jones, who is Black. The emergence of the blackface photos has sparked criticism and raised questions about Lawler's judgment.
Lawler expressed remorse for any offense caused by the photos and emphasized the importance of learning from past mistakes. He acknowledged the impact of his actions and thanked those who have shown understanding throughout this challenging situation.
Blackface has a long history of being used to perpetuate harmful stereotypes and has been a source of controversy for many public figures. Lawler's apology comes amid a broader societal conversation about racial insensitivity and the need for greater awareness and sensitivity.
