Justin Trudeau apologizes after the publication of an old photo of "blackface"

Here is a resurgence of a cliché that could tarnish the image of the Canadian Prime Minister to two days of the legislative campaign in Canada. We see Justin Trudeau wearing black makeup - a controversial practice, called "blackface" or "brownface" - during a party disguised in 2001.

The photo was released Wednesday, September 18 by the American magazine Time, leading Justin Trudeau to apologize a few hours later. "I'm disguised with an Aladdin costume and put on makeup, I should not have done it," the prime minister admitted.

Exclusive: Justin Trudeau wore a brownface at 2001 'Arabian Nights' party while he taught at a private school, Canada's Liberal Party admits https://t.co/j3UobfYNIF

"It's something that I did not consider racist at the time, but I recognize today that it was racist, and I am deeply sorry," he replied, looking contrite during an impromptu press briefing on the sidelines of his campaign.

"It was a mistake"

On the snapshot from 2001, the 29-year-old Justin Trudeau appears smiling, surrounded by four women, wearing a turban, his face and hands covered in dark makeup. The photo, taken from an end-of-year album of the Vancouver school where Justin Trudeau was teaching, was taken at a private school party on the theme of "Arabian Nights".

But the practice of "blackface" or "brownface" is considered racist. "It was a mistake (...) I deeply regret, I apologize deeply, I am really sorry," added Justin Trudeau apologizing, while excluding from resigning.

"All my life, I have worked to create opportunities for people, to fight against racism and intolerance," said Justin Trudeau, an ardent multiculturalist who has appointed several ministers of foreign origin in his government.

With AFP