U.S. Rep. Mike Lawler said he was sorry Thursday after the New York Times obtained photos of him wearing blackface about two decades ago at a college Halloween costume party where he dressed as Michael Jackson.

The images emerged as Lawler, a first-term Republican, is locked in a competitive reelection fight for his congressional seat in New York’s Hudson Valley.

In a statement provided to The Associated Press, Lawler described himself as a lifelong Jackson superfan who was attempting to pay homage to the pop star.

The Times reported that the photo was taken in 2006 when Lawler was 20. In an image posted by the newspaper, Lawler can be seen wearing a red jacket and posing with an outstretched arm in one of Jackson’s signature dance moves. He used bronzer to darken his face.

    • Maggoty@lemmy.world
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      1 month ago

      Yes. Because unless he later came out and apologized and demonstrated that he’s changed then it speaks to his character.

          • Woht24@lemmy.world
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            23 days ago

            No.

            What you’re describing is mob outrage, not accountability. He will not suffer from your opinion, nor does he care.

            It’s sad you’re wasting your life caring about this shit.

            • Maggoty@lemmy.world
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              22 days ago

              He’s an elected official, possibly losing his next election is literally the prescribed method of accountability.

              • Woht24@lemmy.world
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                20 days ago

                Keyword ‘possibly’.

                I’m not American, I have no idea who this guy is but based on him being a fuckwit and America’s history, you’ll likely reelect him and his black face for another 4 years.

                Enjoy!