Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau apologized for wearing “brownface” before becoming a politician after a school yearbook photo surfaced that showed him wearing dark makeup and a turban.
The picture was taken at West Point Grey Academy’s Arabian Nights-themed gala in 2001 and shows Trudeau, who was a 29-year-old teacher, with his face, neck, and hands completely darkened to look Middle Eastern.
“It was a photo taken while he was teaching in Vancouver, at the school’s annual dinner which had a costume theme of ‘Arabian Nights.’ [Trudeau] attended with friends and colleagues dressed as a character from Aladdin,” Zita Astravas, the media relations lead of the Liberal Party of Canada, said.
Trudeau admitted to reporters it was not the first time he wore makeup like that, saying he wore blackface in high school during a talent show. He said he will not resign over the scandal.
“I take responsibility for my decision to do that. I shouldn’t have done it, I should have known better. It was something that I didn’t think was racist at the time, but now I recognize it was something racist to do and I’m deeply sorry,” Trudeau said.
Trudeau said he has called friends and colleagues to apologize for his actions.
“It was a dumb thing to do. I’m disappointed in myself. I’m pissed off at myself for having done it,” he added.
