‘A Dumb Thing to Do’: Trudeau Apologises for Brownface

The Canadian prime minister is but the latest politician to face scrutiny over racially insensitive photos and actions from their younger days. Earlier this year, Virginia Gov Ralph Northam faced intense pressure to resign after a racist picture surfaced from his 1984 medical school yearbook page. Since then, Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring has acknowledged wearing blackface in college, and Alabama Gov Kay Ivey has publicly apologised for donning blackface during a college skit more than 50 years ago. The photo of Trudeau was taken at the school's annual dinner, which had an "Arabian Nights" theme that year, Trudeau said, adding that he was dressed as a character from "Aladdin." The prime minister said it was not the first time he has painted his face; once, he said, he performed a version of Harry Belafonte's "Banana Boat Song " during a talent show.