Things just went from bad to worse in Virginia politics.
The state’s Democratic attorney general admitted Wednesday that he wore blackface during a college party decades ago, dropping the bombshell as Virginia’s governor and lieutenant governor have been battling controversy and calls to resign.
Mark Herring revealed in a statement that in 1980 while attending the University of Virginia, he had put on brown makeup and a wig to look like a black rapper at a party, Fox News reported.
“In 1980, when I was a 19-year-old undergraduate in college, some friends suggested we attend a party dressed like rappers we listened to at the time, like Kurtis Blow, and perform a song,” Herring said. “It sounds ridiculous even now writing it. But because of our ignorance and glib attitudes — and because we did not have an appreciation for the experiences and perspectives of others — we dressed up and put on wigs and brown makeup.”
“This was a onetime occurrence and I accept full responsibility for my conduct,” he said, adding that “the shame of that moment has haunted me for decades.”
OMG! What’s wrong with the Virginia Democratic Party? First the governor, then the Lt Gov’s problems now the third in line, the states Attorney General, another Democrat has a “blackface” problem!
It’s almost like Democrats are totally full of crap! Disgusting!
— Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) February 6, 2019
As one of three top statewide elected officials, Herring would be next in line to be governor after Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam and Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax, who are also Democrats. Herring’s statement came after he had called for the governor’s resignation over the weekend, saying “It is no longer possible for Governor Northam to lead our Commonwealth and it is time for him to step down.”
The embattled governor has been under fire since a racist photo from his medical school yearbook surfaced, prompting the outcry and calls for him to step down. Northam acknowledged, then denied, being in the photo and has so far refused to vacate his seat.
An allegation of sexual assault against Fairfax, who would succeed Northam if he resigned, plunged the state into chaos as Democrats scrambled to respond.
Fairfax claimed an encounter woman he met at the 2004 Democratic National Convention in Boston was consensual as he denied her accusation of assault, further deteriorating the left’s “believe all women” narrative in the wake of the contentious confirmation hearings for Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh.
NBC News political reporter, Jonathan Allen, tweeted that Fairfax tried to “discredit his accuser” on Monday during a private meeting.
** WARNING: GRAPHIC LANGUAGE **
Justin Fairfax said “fuck that bitch” as he tried to discredit his accuser during a private meeting Monday night, sources tell @NBCNews’ @GeoffRBennett and me.
— Jonathan Allen (@jonallendc) February 6, 2019
Herring, who is serving his second term as attorney general, said Wednesday that wearing blackface was “no way reflective of the man I have become in the nearly 40 years since.”
Virginia’s Democratic Party would not respond to a request for comment from Fox News but a spokesman reportedly told the network, “We’re not taking any calls right now.”
DONATE TO BIZPAC REVIEW
Please help us! If you are fed up with letting radical big tech execs, phony fact-checkers, tyrannical liberals and a lying mainstream media have unprecedented power over your news please consider making a donation to BPR to help us fight them. Now is the time. Truth has never been more critical!
Frieda@bizpacreview.com
Originally from New York, Powers graduated from New York University and eventually made her way to sunny South Florida where she has been writing for the BizPacReview team since 2015.
Comment
We have no tolerance for comments containing violence, racism, profanity, vulgarity, doxing, or discourteous behavior. If a comment is spam, instead of replying to it please click the ∨ icon below and to the right of that comment. Thank you for partnering with us to maintain fruitful conversation.
