Who is Mike Lawler, and what’s his blackface controversy about? The Republican politician dressed as Michael Jackson for Halloween in college and said it was a ‘homage’
The Republican politician is facing racism allegations while eyeing a potential run at New York governor in 2026 – but he’s also stood up to Donald Trump and other members of his party
Republican Mike Lawler is not only fighting for his political future ahead of the US elections this November, he is also eyeing a run at New York governor in 2026. But that may all come crashing down as images of Lawler doing blackface 18 years ago resurfaced in a New York Times exposé.
Here’s what you need to know about the 38-year-old congressman, and why everyone is talking about him.
What are the Mike Lawler blackface allegations?
On October 3, The New York Times reported that Lawler did blackface as part of a Halloween costume when he was in college in 2006. Per the publication, the images showed Lawler dressed as Michael Jackson, with a black shirt, red jacket and a darkened face. The jacket, of course, is similar to the one the musician wore in his iconic “Thriller” music video. Lawler faced backlash after the images were published.
How did Mike Lawler respond?
The politician said the costume was meant to be an ode to a musical icon as someone he respected. “The ugly practice of blackface was the furthest thing from my mind. Let me be clear: this is not that,” he claimed, apologising for causing offence.