Canada’s Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau has apologised after a photo leaked of him in brown-face make-up at a costume party in 2001. The picture was taken at a private school gala when he was a teacher at the West Point Grey Academy, it was an Arabian Nights themed gathering.
Pic: Time/West Point Grey Academy
Speaking to reporters, Mr Trudeau said: “In 2001, when I was a teacher in Vancouver I attended an end-of-year gala where the theme was Arabian Nights and I dressed up in an Aladdin costume and put make-up on.
“I shouldn’t have done that. I should’ve known better but I didn’t. And I’m really sorry.”
He added: “I have made a number of calls to friends and colleagues tonight and I will have many more colleagues, many more calls to make.”
He went on: “I’m going to be asking Canadians to forgive me for what I did. I shouldn’t have done that. I take responsibility for it.
“It was a dumb thing to do. I’m disappointed in myself. I’m p****d off at myself for having done it. I wish I hadn’t done it but I did it, and I apologise for it.”
Mr Trudeau also admitted he had worn make-up when he was a student performing at a talent show in high school.
@JustinTrudeau in blackface at Jean Brebeuf high school. #cdnpoli #elxn43 #BreakingNews pic.twitter.com/q6v5bgYJvJ
— Robert Fife (@RobertFife) September 19, 2019
Typically “blackface”, “brownface” refers to when someone paints their face darker to appear like someone with a different skin colour.
Reacting to the picture, the leader of Canada’s opposition Conservative Party, Andrew Scheer said: “Like all Canadians I was extremely shocked and disappointed when I learned of Justin Trudeau’s actions this evening.
“Wearing brown face as an act of open mockery and racism. It was just as racist in 2001 as it is in 2019.
“And what Canadians saw this evening is someone with a complete lack of judgement and integrity, and someone who is not fit to govern this country.”
Mr Trudeau has promoted the rights for minority groups during his four years, many have seen this as embarrassing for the Canadian prime minister.
