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Photos Show Rep. Mike Lawler in Blackface as Michael Jackson; Lawler Apologizes Amid Tight Re-election Race

Oct 4, 2024, 12:26 AM

Representative Mike Lawler of New York's 17th Congressional District has apologized after photographs published by The New York Times surfaced showing him wearing blackface as part of a Michael Jackson costume at a college Halloween party in 2006. The photos, taken when Lawler was 20, depict him dressed as the late pop singer. In his statement, Lawler said, 'I am a student of history and for anyone who takes offense to the photo, I am sorry,' and added, '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.' Lawler, who is currently locked in a tight reelection battle that could influence control of the U.S. House, acknowledged understanding why the images are offensive.