Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wore “brownface” at a private school gala nearly two decades ago, a photo obtained by Time Magazine shows.
Addressing the image, Mr Trudeau said he “deeply regretted” his actions and “should have known better”.
The 2001 yearbook picture shows Mr Trudeau with skin-darkening make-up on his face and hands at the West Point Grey Academy in Vancouver.
The prime minister is battling for re-election on 21 October.
Mr Trudeau, who is the son of late former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, used to teach at the elite academy.
The image is politically embarrassing for the prime minister because he has made progressive policies a signature issue.
Speaking to journalists after the Time article was published, Mr Trudeau said that he was dressed in the photo in an Aladdin costume at an Arabian Nights-themed gala.
“I take responsibility for my decision to do that. I shouldn’t have done it.
“I should have known better. It was something that I didn’t think was racist at the time, but now I recognise it was something racist to do and I am deeply sorry.”
When asked if there had been other occasions, Mr Trudeau told reporters that he also wore make-up while performing at a talent show in high school.
An image from that incident has since been posted to Twitter. A source confirmed to the BBC that it was from the incident Mr Trudeau referenced in the news conference.
Source: bbc.com
