President Donald Trump on Friday said he was “surprised” by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s recent brownface scandal, USA Today reports.
Photos that resurfaced earlier this week show Trudeau wearing dark brown makeup in costume as non-white people multiple times in the early 1990’s and 2000’s, including during his time as a drama teacher at the elite private school the West Point Grey Academy, when he went to a party in a turban and robe with darkened skin.
“I’m surprised, and I was more surprised when I saw the number of times,” Trump told reporters on Friday. “I’ve always had a good relationship with Justin.”
Trudeau, the son of Canada’s former prime minister, apologized for his actions, saying he “didn’t understand how hurtful this is to people who live with discrimination every day. I have always acknowledged that I come from a place of privilege but I now need to acknowledge that this comes with a massive blind spot.”
Trump added, "I just don't know what to tell you. I was surprised by it, actually."
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