Several photos and video footage of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wearing blackface have rocked his reelection campaign.
What We Know:
- Time first reported the photo of Trudeau wearing dark makeup and a turban at an “Arabian Nights” party at West Point Grey Academy, where he taught at the time. The photo was found in the school’s 2000-2001 yearbook.
- After the story broke, Trudeau told reporters, “I shouldn’t have done that. I should have known better and I didn’t. I’m really sorry.” A reporter asked him if he thought the photo was racist and he said, “Yes, it was. I didn’t consider it racist at the time, but now we know better.”
- Another photo of the liberal politician surfaced showing him wearing dark makeup and an afro wig. This time, Trudeau explained that he was performing “Day-O” by African-American singer Harry Belafonte.
- A third instance of Trudeau wearing offensive makeup was reported by Global News, days after the first couple of photographs were released. The news outlet published a video of the politician in blackface with his hands raised in the air and his tongue sticking out of his mouth.
- Trudeau maintains that he regrets his actions. He stated, “I have worked all my life to create opportunities for people to fight against racism, I can stand here and say I made a mistake… I should have known better then, but I didn’t and I’m sorry.”
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His opponents have used these incidents to question his ability to lead the country. Elizabeth May, Green Party leader, stated, “It’s shameful… It demonstrates an enormous lack of judgment.” Andrew Scheer, leader of the conservative party, stated, “Like all Canadians, I was extremely shocked and disappointed when I learned of the lack of judgment and integrity from someone who’s not fit to govern this country.”
We will see if this bad habit of Trudeau’s effects him at the polls on Oct. 21.
