Old Photos of NY Congressman in Blackface Resurface Ahead of Election Against ... a Black Man

The congressman darkened his skin while dressed as Michael Jackson in 2006, telling the New York Times that it was "the sincerest form of flattery."

New York Congressman Mike Lawler has some explaining to do. According to photos obtained by The New York Times, Lawler wore blackface in 2006, dressing up as Michael Jackson for Halloween.

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According to the Times, the photos are from when Lawler was a college student. In them, Lawler is in a signature Michael Jackson pose, a red leather jacket and a black shirt. His face is visibly darkened in the photo.

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The politician is reportedly a very big Jackson fan, and has been open about his love for the late King of Pop. Still, this is the first time photos of Lawler, a white Republican, dressed in blackface has ever come up.

Despite the clear darkening of his skin in the photo, Lawler never denies the authenticity of the photos, referring to them as, “truly the sincerest form of flattery,” in a statement. He added that it was, “a genuine homage to my musical hero since I was a little kid trying to moonwalk through my mom’s kitchen.”

The ugly practice of blackface “was the furthest thing from my mind,” the statement continues. “Let me be clear, this is not that.” He went on to call himself, “a student of history,” and “for anyone who takes offense to the photo,” he is sorry. “All you can do is live and learn,” he added.

Lawler also appeared on CNN to apologize for the photos, speaking to host Kaitlan Collins, adding that it is “not something he would do today.”

Watch the segment below:

As The New York Times points out, time will tell if Lawley’s actions will affect his place in Congress as his fight for reelection ramps up. Currently, Lawler is facing Mondaire Jones in the race, with Lawler only holding a slim lead against the Democrat hopeful. Lawler also looks to have a much longer career in politics, with his eyes set on being governor of New York, according to the Times.