2001 “Arabian Nights” dressup pic rattles Liberal campaign

Justin Trudeau has apologized and spoken of “how much harder I’m going to have to work” to build a country free of discrimination. This, as a photo from an Arabian Nights themed party in 2001 showing Mr. Trudeau in blackface was published overnight by Time Magazine. The picture was taken at a private party held at Vancouver’s West Point Grey Academy and released to Time by a parent at the school. At the time, Trudeau was a 29-year-old teacher at the school. The photo was published in the school’s 2000-2001 yearbook called The View.

Then and now

The photo shows Trudeau with four smiling women who, if they were offended by his costume, don’t seem to be showing it. Political party leaders have commented very unfavorably on the photo and it is expected that pollsters will soon attempt to gauge its impact on the election’s outcome. City News video Also CBC

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