New York Republican Rep. Mike Lawler dressed in black as he impersonated his musical idol Michael Jackson decades ago.
A new photo on Facebook that recently resurfaced could spell trouble for the Republican, who is locked in a tight re-election race.
The Republican lawmaker did not deny darkening his face for the ensemble worn as part of a Halloween costume in 2006.
“The ugly practice of blackface was the furthest thing from my mind,” Lawler told DailyMail.com in a statement. “Let me be clear: this is not that.”
Lawler, a lifelong superfan of Jackson, is seen striking a dramatic pose while donning a black shirt and red “Thriller” jacket in a photo first reported by The New York Times.
His face is also noticeably darker, giving him a light brown glow, while his white hands and neck stand in stark contrast.
He admitted that he borrowed bronzer from a female classmate to complete his look.
Lawler, 38, was shown in blackface in a photo of him dressing up as Michael Jackson for Halloween when he was a 2-year-old student. He has admitted that he is a ‘super fan’ of the King of Pop
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Lawler, 38, has represented New York’s 17th Congressional District since 2023 and is a rising star within the House of Representatives Republican caucus.
He said his mega fandom is to blame.
“As has been well documented… I was a so-called ‘super fan’ of Michael Jackson, so much so that I was mentioned by name in his biography for my outspoken support of him and the Jackson family,” Lawler said. DailyMail.com.
He appeared to be referring to J. Randy Taraborrelli’s biography “Michael Jackson: The Magic, the Madness, the Whole Story,” which mentions the Republican.
While in high school, a younger Lawler traveled to California to attend parts of Jackson’s criminal trial, where he was accused of abusing a young boy.
Lawler entered the courtroom with the writer’s help, and the future lawmaker was eventually removed from the courtroom after muttering “something derogatory under his breath,” the book said.
Michael Jackson performing ‘Thriller’ in 1983. Lawler wears a similar style jacket in his 2006 Halloween photo impersonating Jackson
The Republican was first elected in 2022 and represents a district just north of New York City
Lawler pictured here with his wife in New York City, near Radio City Music Hall
“I loved Michael’s music, was impressed with him as an artist and his impact on pop culture. “One of my fondest memories is attending his concert at MSG before his untimely death,” the Republican continued.
“When I tried to imitate Michael’s legendary dance moves at a college Halloween party eighteen years ago, the ugly practice of blackface was the furthest thing from my mind. Let me be clear: this is not that.’
“Rather, my costume was intended as the sincerest form of flattery, a sincere tribute to one of my childhood idols since I was a little kid trying to moonwalk around my mother’s kitchen.”
According to The Times, the photo was taken when Lawler was a 20-year-old at Manhattan College. Old classmates confirmed to the newspaper that the images were real, with some recalling seeing the photo on Facebook at the time.
‘I study history and to anyone who is offended by the photo: I’m sorry. All you can do is live and learn, and I appreciate everyone’s grace along the way,” his statement concluded.
The Republican did not deny he was in the photos and instead said his impersonation was intended as a form of flattery.
Former Rep. Mondaire Jones faces Lawler in close election
The images will likely prove politically dangerous for the New Yorker.
Lawler faces a tough reelection fight against former Rep. Mondaire Jones, a progressive who Republicans defeated years ago.
The swing district, located just north of New York City, could split in either direction in the November election and could very well decide the narrowly divided House of Representatives.
Currently, the House of Representatives has 220 Republicans, 212 Democrats and three vacancies, meaning the Republican Party can only lose a handful of seats to maintain control.
However, recent polls indicate that Lawler has a several-point lead in the race over Jones.
