Washington
CNN
—

New York Republican Rep. Mike Lawler admitted he blacked out his face as part of a Michael Jackson Halloween costume, which he called a “homage” after The New York Times reported Thursday that he did so as a college student wore blackface in 2006.

In a statement to CNN, Lawler explained: “My costume was intended as the sincerest form of flattery, a true homage to one of my childhood idols since I was a young child trying to run through my mother’s kitchen. “I’m a history student and it hurts me sorry for anyone who takes offense at the photo. All you can do is live and learn, and I appreciate everyone’s grace along the way.”

The New York Times published a photo Thursday of Lawler dressed as Jackson at a social gathering in 2006.

“He wears a black shirt and red jacket and strikes a signature Jackson dance pose in one photo. His face is also visibly darkened,” the Times reported. The congressman told the Times that he used bronzer borrowed from classmates on his face.

Lawler is running against former Democratic Rep. Mondaire Jones in a race that will be one of the biggest tests for Democrats in the state. Several Republican lawmakers – including Lawler – are defending seats. Democrats see this as an important opportunity to regain control of the House of Representatives, where Republicans have a very slim majority.