Republican Congressman Lawler confesses to darkening his skin for a Michael Jackson-themed Halloween costume, as evidenced by the released photograph.
In an interview with CNN, Lawler clarified: "My getup was meant as the highest form of admiration, a genuine tribute to one of my early inspirations, as I attempted to do the moonwalk in my mom's kitchen as a youngster. I'm a history enthusiast, and for those who find issue with the picture, I apologize. Learning and growing are all part of the journey, and I'm grateful for everyone's understanding throughout this process."
The New York Times released a photo last Thursday showing Lawler in Jackson's attire at a social event in 2006.
"He is donning a black shirt and a red jacket and, in one photo, even mimics Jackson's iconic dance pose. His face appears tanned in the images," the Times stated. Lawler explained to the Times that he utilized bronzer borrowed from his classmates to darken his complexion.
Lawler is currently in a contest with Democratic ex-Rep. Mondaire Jones. This contest is anticipated to be one of the most significant challenges for Democrats within the state. The success of Democrats lies in their attempts to seize control of the House of Representatives, where Republicans maintain a tight majority. Several Republican legislators, including Lawler, are defending seats that Democrats have identified as crucial for their efforts.
Lawler's controversial choice of attire and dance pose at the social event in 2006 sparked political debate, with some critics questioning his judgment. Amidst his campaign for the House of Representatives, Lawler's politics have come under scrutiny due to this incident.
