Rep. Mike Lawler of New York recently apologized after images surfaced of him in blackface as part of a Halloween costume while he was a student at Manhattan College in 2006. The pictures show him with a darkened face, wearing a red jacket reminiscent of Michael Jackson in the “Thriller” music video. Lawler, who is currently running for reelection in a swing district against Black Democrat Mondaire Jones, expressed regret for his actions and acknowledged that he understands why people would be offended by them. He mentioned that while there was no ill intent on his part, he recognizes that it was not something he would do today.
In an interview with CNN, Lawler stated that he cannot change the events of 18 years ago but he now understands the impact his actions could have on others. He emphasized that there was no malicious intent behind his costume and that it was meant as a tribute to Michael Jackson, whom he viewed as a musical idol. Lawler also clarified that he never meant to disparage or mock Black Americans and that his focus was solely on honoring the pop icon. He expressed his apologies to anyone who was hurt or offended by his costume.
Lawler defended his choice of costume by highlighting his admiration for Michael Jackson, mentioning that he was a devoted fan of the singer. He even went as far as attending one of Jackson’s performances at Madison Square Garden and traveling from New York to California during the singer’s 2005 criminal trial. Despite the controversies surrounding Jackson at the time, Lawler showed support for his musical hero. However, there were reports of Lawler being removed from the courtroom during the trial after he made disparaging comments under his breath, feeling disgusted by the accusations against Jackson.
When questioned about his costume by CNN’s Kaitlan Collins, Lawler drew a distinction between paying homage to a celebrity like Jackson through a Halloween costume and engaging in blackface with the intention of demeaning Black individuals. He acknowledged the hurt that his costume could cause to members of the Black community and offered a sincere apology for any distress his actions may have caused. Collins referenced former Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam’s own blackface scandal, where he admitted to darkening his face for a Michael Jackson costume, and asked Lawler what he would say to Black constituents who were troubled by his costume choice.
In response to the concerns raised by Black individuals in his district, Lawler reiterated his apology and expressed his understanding of why his costume could be upsetting. He recognized the impact of his past actions and emphasized that he now realizes the insensitive nature of blackface. Lawler’s apology reflects a growing awareness of the harm caused by such actions and the need for greater sensitivity and accountability in addressing racial issues. As he continues his reelection campaign, Lawler’s handling of this controversy will likely be closely scrutinized by voters and constituents in his district.
