U.S. Rep. Mike Lawler issued an apology after photos emerged of him wearing blackface at a college Halloween costume party about two decades ago. The images, obtained by the New York Times, showed Lawler dressed as Michael Jackson. Lawler, a first-term Republican, stated that he was a lifelong Jackson fan and was attempting to pay homage to the pop star by imitating his dance moves. Despite his intentions, Lawler acknowledged that the use of blackface was offensive and apologized to anyone who was offended by the costume.
The photos of Lawler in blackface were reportedly taken in 2006 when he was 20 years old. In the images, Lawler is seen wearing a red jacket and posing with an outstretched arm in one of Jackson’s signature dance moves. Lawler admitted to using bronzer to darken his face for the costume. He described the costume as a genuine homage to one of his childhood idols and expressed regret for his actions. Lawler stated that he is a student of history and acknowledged that the use of blackface is a harmful practice that has a long history of racism attached to it.
Lawler’s admiration for Michael Jackson has been well-documented in the past. Last year, The Daily Beast reported on Lawler’s obsession with the pop icon. A biography of Jackson highlighted Lawler’s dedication, including flying from New York to California to attend Jackson’s criminal trial. Despite being thrown out of the courtroom for muttering something derogatory, Lawler recalled one of his greatest memories as attending a Jackson concert at Madison Square Garden in New York. Lawler’s connection to Jackson and his admiration for the musician have been a significant part of his persona.
The timing of the emergence of these photos comes as Lawler is engaged in a competitive reelection fight for his congressional seat in New York’s Hudson Valley. He is facing a tough race against Democratic former U.S. Rep. Mondaire Jones, who is Black. Lawler, who won office in 2022, has become a prominent figure on cable news shows. The use of blackface has a long history of racism and has been associated with offensive portrayals of Black people. Several politicians and celebrities have faced criticism for wearing blackface in the past, leading to public apologies and backlash.
In his statement, Lawler expressed remorse for his actions and acknowledged the offensiveness of blackface. He stated that all he can do is live and learn from the experience and appreciated the grace of those who have shown understanding. Lawler’s apology may impact his reelection campaign and his standing among voters in the Hudson Valley. The controversy surrounding the photos highlights the ongoing issue of cultural insensitivity and racism, especially among public figures and politicians. Lawler’s use of blackface serves as a reminder of the need for sensitivity and awareness in addressing sensitive issues related to race and identity.
