Trudeau says he is ‘deeply sorry’ he appeared in brownface at school gala in 2001

Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau says he knows now that his decision to dress up in brownface and a turban for a gala at a private school where he worked 18 years ago was a racist thing to do and he is now “deeply sorry.”

Trudeau also admitted there was a second instance of racist behaviour. “When I was in high school I dressed up at a talent show and sang Day O with makeup on,” he said.

Speaking to reporters on his campaign plane, Trudeau apologized for his actions, saying that he now recognizes his actions were racist.

“In 2001, when I was a teacher in Vancouver, I attended a gala. The theme was Arabian Nights. I dressed up in an Aladdin costume and put makeup on. I shouldn’t have done that. I should have known better, but I didn’t and I’m really sorry.

“I take responsibility for my decision to do that. I shouldn’t have done it. I should have known better. It was something that I didn’t think was racist at the time, but now I recognize it was something racist to do and I am deeply sorry.”

The 2001 incident  was brought to light Wednesday evening by an article in Time Magazine.

Time Magazine said Vancouver businessman Michael Adamson, who was a part of the West Point Grey Academy community, brought the photograph to the magazine’s attention because he said he thought it should be made public.

Another image that appears to be Trudeau at the same school gala was posted in an April 2001 newsletter for the Vancouver school. The additional image, which is available in an online archive, surfaced after Trudeau first addressed his use of brownface and apologized for it.

Asked if he should resign his position as Liberal leader based on both incidents, Trudeau made the case that incidents like this should be treated on a “case-by-case” basis.

“There are people who make mistakes in this life and you make decisions based on what they actually do, what they did and on a case-by-case basis. I deeply regret that I did that. I should have known better but I didn’t,” he said.

Trudeau said that he found out the story was going to break earlier in the day.

Asked if he understood why brownface and blackface was so hurtful to minorities Trudeau said he did.

“I think it’s well known that communities and people that live with intersectionalities and face discrimination the likes of which I have never personally had to experience is a significant thing that is very hurtful and that is why I am so deeply disappointed in myself,” he said.

Unfit for office, Scheer says

Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer said both incidents prove that Trudeau is not fit to hold the office of prime minister.

“Like all Canadians, I was extremely shocked and disappointed when I learned of Justin Trudeau’s actions this evening,” Scheer said. “Wearing brownface is 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 was someone with a complete lack of judgment and integrity and someone who is not fit to govern this country.”

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh said Trudeau’s behaviour was “troubling” and “insulting.”

“Racism is real. People in this room have felt it, have heard this story. I’ve experienced it in my life. he’s got to answer those questions.”

After Trudeau’s apology Singh delivered a message to Canadian children of colour.

“The kids that see this image, the people that see this image, are going to think about all the times in their life that they were made fun of, that they were hurt, that they were hit, that they were insulted, that they were made to feel less because of who they are and I want to talk to those people right now,” Singh said.

“I want to talk to all the kids out there,” he said. “You might feel like giving up on Canada. You might feel like giving up on yourselves. I want you to know that you have value, you have worth and you are loved and I don’t want you to give up on Canada and please don’t give up on yourselves.”

Incident ‘disgraceful’: Canadian Muslim organization

The National Council of Canadian Muslims said Trudeau’s appearance in brownface was “disgraceful, plain and simple.”

“Seeing the prime minister in brownface/blackface is deeply saddening,” said NCCM’s Executive Director Mustafa Farooq in a Tweet. “The wearing of blackface/brownface is reprehensible, and hearkens back to a history of racism and an Orientalist mythology which is unacceptable.”

The council said that while it recognizes that people can change and evolve over time, it was critical that Trudeau “unequivocally apologizes” for the incident. After Trudeau made his public apology, the NCCM issued another tweet thanking him.