Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Apologizes For "Brownface" Photo

BY Erika Marie 2.9K Views
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Justin Trudeau
The photo is from 2001.

There isn't anything that anyone has ever done that doesn't have the potential to rear its ugly head in the future. Canadian Prime minister Justin Trudeau is finding that out for himself after a photo from 2001 began circulating on the internet. Prior to Wednesday, the picture had never seen the light of day, but someone decided it was time to toss a bit of controversy Trudeau's way during his campaign.

According to a lengthy report by Time, Trudeau was teaching at West Point Grey Academy, a private school, that hosted an "Arabian Nights"-themed shindig for parents of students along with staff and faculty. The then-29-year-old is seen in a picture posing alongside four women as Trudeau has painted his face and hands a dark color while he wears a robe with a matching turban. The photo is featured in the school's yearbook.

After Time broke the story, Trudeau was confronted by reporters who wanted to know what he thought about being accused of "Brownface." The Prime Minister said, "In 2001, when I was a teacher in Vancouver, I attended an end-of-the-year gala where the theme was 'Arabian Nights' and 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."

The beloved political figure has found himself on the receiving end of "Cancel Culture" who has deemed him an enemy, while others don't think he should be vilified for a costume. Check out a few reactions below.

About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.

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