A recent controversy has emerged involving Mike Lawler, a Republican congressman from New York, who has apologized after a photo surfaced of him in blackface as part of a Michael Jackson Halloween costume. The photo, taken at a college party in 2006, shows Lawler dressed in Jackson’s iconic red leather "Thriller" jacket with his face visibly darkened using bronzer. Lawler claims that his intention was to pay homage to Jackson, whom he considers a musical hero, and that he did not mean to offend anyone.

Lawler stated that he has been a longtime fan of Michael Jackson and that the costume was meant to celebrate the pop star's legacy. However, he acknowledged that the use of blackface, even unintentionally, is offensive and apologized for any hurt caused. This incident has surfaced during a critical time for Lawler, as he is in a tight reelection campaign against former Representative Mondaire Jones.