Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is once again offering his apologies for at least three incidents in which he wore black or brownface before he became Prime Minister. Trudeau addressed reporters today in Winnipeg.
He says he never mentioned it prior to this week, because he was “deeply embarrassed” by his actions.
He apologized to all Canadians, but particularly to those who live with racism. He says wanting to do good and wanting to do better is not good enough and you have to take responsibility for your mistakes.
Trudeau could not tell reporters if all the incidents have been revealed in the media.
He is wary about being definitive because the incidents revealed recently, he could not remember. He says he did not understand at the time how hurtful those incidents were to people who have experienced discrimination.
Earlier Story
Hard to Say Effect on Liberal Campaign, says Powers as Third Incident of Trudeau in Blackface Surfaces
A picture taken at a party held 18 years ago has sparked a political controversy that could have far-reaching impacts on the Liberal campaign.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau admits to dressing in brownface in an Arabian Nights-themed party while he was a teacher at a private school in Vancouver in 2001.
Photo courtesy of Time Magazine.
Pictures from that event started circulating yesterday, forcing Trudeau to offer an apology. He admitted to a second incident involving a high school talent contest in which he dressed in blackface and performed the Banana Boat Song.
A third incident has since surfaced with video showing Trudeau in blackface in a wooded area.
Tim Powers told VOCM Morning Show co-host Fred Hutton, he doesn’t believe Trudeau needs to resign because the public will decide his fate in the election. Powers says the question many are asking however is if similar pictures had come to light from any other candidate within the party, whether they would be allowed to run.
Powers says the reason why Trudeau stays on and any other candidate would be dropped is because Trudeau sets the rules.
He cited the SNC-Lavalin controversy and how the issue played out for Jody Wilson-Raybould to how it played out for Trudeau.
