Rep. Mike Lawler sparks controversy with Michael Jackson tribute post

A Republican lawmaker has revived memories of his blackface scandal with a social media post commemorating Michael Jackson’s birthday.

New York Rep. Mike Lawler took to X on Saturday to post a photo of himself apparently dressed as the King of Pop. He donned a red leather jacket, a v-neck black t-shirt and sunglasses.

“It’s a little snug, but it still fits! Happy Birthday MJ,” the 39-year-old lawmaker captioned the post, seemingly referring to an outfit that landed him in political hot water two years ago.

In 2024, The New York Times unearthed an old photo of Lawler wearing blackface while posing in similar clothing. The image, taken in 2006, when Lawler was a college student, shows the now-congressman dressed as Jackson for Halloween.

Blackface is the practice of darkening a person’s face or skin to imitate a Black person. It is widely regarded as racist. In recent years, several other high-profile political figures have come under fire over allegations they used blackface or brownface, including former Virginia Governor Ralph Norman and former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Lawler, who represents New York’s 17th Congressional District, didn’t dispute the authenticity of the image. He told the Times the costume was meant to be “truly the sincerest form of flattery” and “a genuine homage to my musical hero since I was a little kid trying to moonwalk through my mom’s kitchen.”

Jackson, who died in 2009, became a controversial figure after facing multiple allegations that he sexually abused children. He consistently denied those allegations.

In his statement to the Times, Lawler added: “The ugly practice of blackface was the furthest thing from my mind…I am a student of history and for anyone who takes offense to the photo, I am sorry.”

Lawler’s latest post drew a number of comments from users about the scandal.

“No blackface this time around?” one user wrote, while another chimed in: “Are you really this dumb? You seriously think it's a good idea to remind everyone of when you wore blackface?”

“Incredible how tone deaf you are,” a third wrote. “Early voting in NY starts October 24. Vote Michael Jackson Jr. out.”

Lawler is up for re-election in November, and is facing off against Democrat Cait Conley, a U.S. Army veteran. Multiple recent polls indicate it is shaping up to be a close race.

The Independent has contacted the congressman’s office for comment.