Rep. Mike Lawler faces backlash over Michael Jackson blackface costume

Lawler apologizes for blackface costume, calling it a tribute to MJ, but his opponent Mondaire Jones isn't convinced.

New York Congressman Mike Lawler is under fire after a blackface photo from a 2006 Halloween party resurfaced, where he dressed as Michael Jackson.

Lawler initially issued an apology on Thursday, stating that his costume, which included darkening his face, was "a genuine homage to one of my childhood idols."

He added, “The intent was in no way to demean or malign black Americans but to pay homage to the greatest entertainer of all time.”

Lawler, who has been a well-known Michael Jackson fan for years, expressed regret for his actions. 

"I wish this didn’t happen but you know, hindsight is 20-20. Yeah, I wouldn’t do it, but I can’t change what happened 18 years ago," he said. 

The congressman expanded on his apology the following day, telling NBC New York, "Obviously, in hindsight, I certainly recognize how people would portray that and be offended by it, so certainly I apologize."

However, Lawler's Democratic opponent, Mondaire Jones, has criticized the apology, stating, "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, who is Black, dismissed Lawler's explanation, adding to the tension in their closely contested race in New York's 17th District.

The controversy is expected to be a central issue in the upcoming debates between the two candidates as they compete for the congressional seat. Blackface, a historically offensive practice, has drawn criticism from politicians and celebrities alike over the years.