New York Republican Rep. Mike Lawler acknowledged that he darkened his face as part of a Michael Jackson Halloween costume, which he called an “homage,” after The New York Times reported Thursday that he wore blackface as a college student in 2006.
“Obviously I can’t change what happened 18 years ago,” Lawler said in an interview with CNN’s Kaitlan Collins on Thursday night. “But I certainly, with wisdom and age, understand that that is not something that I would do today, and certainly understand why people would be upset or offended by it. And for that, I’m sorry.”
The New York Times published a photo Thursday of Lawler dressed up as Jackson at a social gathering in 2006. The Times reported that Lawler, whose face was visibly darkened, wore a black shirt and red jacket and, in one photo, was striking a signature Jackson dance pose.
Lawler told Collins there was “no ill intent” behind his costume, and that he was not attempting to disparage Black Americans. He said he used a friend’s bronzer as part of a Halloween costume that he said was intended 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. Anyone who knows me, knows that,” he said, adding that he has an Andy Warhol painting of the musician hanging in his congressional office in Washington.
Lawler acknowledged the ugly history of blackface, but said he thinks there is a “stark difference” between its use to caricature Black people in minstrel shows and other forms of entertainment, and his costume.
“Obviously we should not and cannot tolerate the demeaning and dehumanization of Black people,” Lawler said. “And that is not something, certainly, that I would do or engage in or tolerate.”
“I understand how this can be very upsetting to somebody, and so certainly, I do apologize for that,” he said. “But for me, obviously I think intent here is important.”
Lawler is running against Democratic former Rep. Mondaire Jones, the race will be one of the biggest tests for Democrats in the state. Several Republican lawmakers – including Lawler – are defending seats Democrats see as key pickup opportunities in their quest to take back control of the House where Republicans have a very slim majority.
This story has been updated with additional details.
