(The Hill) — Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) apologized late Thursday night for wearing blackface as part of a Halloween costume portraying pop star Michael Jackson in 2006 during a college party.
“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.
The House Republican said he understands why people would be offended by his action.
“Anyone who knows me knows that, and people who come visit my D.C. office can see today an Andy Warhol painting of Michael Jackson hanging in my office,” he said. “So, this was really not what I think could truly be construed as blackface, but I certainly understand why people would be offended by it, and for that, I’m sorry.”
The Times reported that Lawler, a big fan of Jackson, flew from New York to California in 2005 to attend the pop star’s criminal trial. Jackson was charged with molesting a 13-year-old boy that year, but later acquitted.
“I think there is a stark difference between dressing up for Halloween and paying homage to somebody you like and respect, versus dressing up in blackface to demean and dehumanize Black people, which is what minstrel shows in blackface historically was about,” Lawler said Thursday night. “That’s obviously not what I was doing there.”
The roots of blackface in the U.S. date back several centuries and are rooted in racist portrayals and caricatures of Black people, sported during Black ministerial shows where white people darkened their faces to make themselves appear Black.
Lawler, a moderate freshman GOP member, is currently running for reelection in a battleground House district, considered a toss-up. The Hill/Decision Desk HQ’s polling index shows the incumbent with a 3.1-point lead — 46.3 percent to 43.2 percent — over his Democratic challenger, former Rep. Mondaire Jones, who is Black.
