Democratic Opponent Responds to Blackface Controversy Surrounding New York Congressman Mike Lawler
Lawler Initially Issued an Apology, Claiming He Was Attempting to Pay Homage to Michael Jackson
For the first time since the blackface controversy for New York Congressman Mike Lawler surfaced, his Democratic opponent in the upcoming election, Mondaire Jones, offered his thoughts on the matter.
“Mike Lawler knew exactly what he was doing,” said Jones, a former U.S. Representative locked in a tight race in the state’s 17th district in the Hudson Valley against Lawler, a Republican.
Lawler’s Apology and Explanation
Lawler initially issued an apology on Thursday, describing himself as a lifelong Jackson superfan who was attempting to pay homage to the pop star.
“When attempting to imitate Michael’s legendary dance moves at a college Halloween party eighteen years ago, the ugly practice of black face was the furthest thing from my mind. Let me be clear, this is not that,” he said, adding that the costume was intended as “a genuine homage to one of my childhood idols.”
“I am a student of history and for anyone who takes offense to the photo, I am sorry,” Lawler said Thursday. “All you can do is live and learn, and I appreciate everyone’s grace along the way.”
Lawler Expands on Apology
On Friday, Lawler expanded upon his apology, telling NBC New York “Obviously, in hindsight I certainly recognize how people would portray that and be offended by it, so certainly I apologize.”
Background on the Incident
The congressman did not deny that he darkened his face for a costume in which he dressed as the singer for a 2006 Halloween party, when he was 20 years old.
“When I was a sophomore in college, we had a Halloween dance party and I dressed up as my musical idol, Michael Jackson. [I] had the red leather jacket and took a friend’s bronzer and applied some makeup and, you know, partook in a dance contest,” he told News 4.
Lawler’s Jackson Obsession
Lawler, a first-term Republican who won office in 2022 and has since become a mainstay on cable news shows, has been a well-documented Jackson devotee for much of his life. He said he has a wall of his heroes in his Washington D.C. office, which includes an Andy Warhol painting of Michael Jackson.
Jones’ Response to Lawler’s Apology
Jones, who is Black, did not appear to be buying Lawler’s apology or explanation for why he did it.
“He knew it was wrong, and is only upset because he got caught doing it and not because he actually engaged in offensive behavior,” Jones told NBC New York, in his first comments on the controversy.
Conclusion
The controversy surrounding Lawler’s blackface incident is likely to continue to dominate the headlines and public discourse in the lead-up to the election. Jones’ response to Lawler’s apology has added fuel to the fire, and it remains to be seen how the public will react to Lawler’s explanation and apology.
FAQs
Q: What was the context of Lawler’s blackface incident?
A: Lawler wore blackface as part of a Michael Jackson costume at a college Halloween party in 2006, when he was 20 years old.
Q: Why did Lawler wear blackface?
A: Lawler claims he was attempting to pay homage to Michael Jackson, his childhood idol, and did not intend to demean or malign Black Americans.
Q: How did Lawler respond to the controversy?
A: Lawler initially issued an apology, saying he was sorry for any offense caused and that the incident was not meant to be offensive. He later expanded on his apology, saying he recognizes that the incident was offensive and is sorry for it.
Q: What is Mondaire Jones’ response to Lawler’s apology?
A: Jones, Lawler’s Democratic opponent, does not appear to be buying Lawler’s apology or explanation for why he wore blackface. He says Lawler knew it was wrong and is only upset because he got caught doing it.
