Photo of Justin Trudeau in brownface makeup creates a stir in election campaign

by Charlie Smith on September 18th, 2019 at 5:21 PM

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Politicians who've been photographed in their youth in blackface makeup have been scorned in the United States.

That's because it takes people back to a time when those of African ancestry were treated despicably.

Now, the leader of the Liberal Party of Canada, Justin Trudeau, is having to deal with this problem.

And it comes just over a month before Canadians go to the polls to vote in a federal election.

Time magazine obtained a photo of Trudeau in brownface makeup at an "Arabian Nights" party in 2001 at West Point Grey Academy in Vancouver.

Trudeau was a teacher at the private school.

He was also wearing what appears to be a turban as he dressed as a character from Aladdin.

“I’m going to be asking Canadians to forgive me for what I did," Trudeau told reporters. "I shouldn’t have done that. I take responsibility for it. It was a dumb thing to do."

When asked if this was the only time he had done this, Trudeau replied that he also wore makeup in high school when he sang "Day O".

Watch Justin Trudeau's apology to Canadians for wearing brownface makeup in 2001.

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh told reporters that using brownface or blackface makeup is "making a mockery of someone for what they live and what their lived experiences are".

"Please reach out to your loved ones," an emotional Singh said. "Please reach out to those who are suffering in silence right now. Please let them know that they are loved and they are celebrated for who they are."

Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer said he was extremely shocked and disappointed when he learned of Trudeau's photo.