Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring revealed that he once wore blackface to dress up like a rapper at a college party almost 40 years ago.
Herring’s admission comes after controversy erupted over
“Honest conversations and discussions will make it clear whether I can or should continue to serve as attorney general,” said Herring on Wednesday. “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.”
Politics within the state has been in disarray for the past week ever since the Northam news broke. Pictures from Northam’s 1984 medical school yearbook shows two men, one wearing blackface and another in Ku Klux Klan robes, on a page dedicated to Northam.
The governor initially apologized for being in the photos, without specifying if he was wearing blackface or wearing the KKK outfit. He later denied it was him and has refused to resign, as pressure mounts from within the state's Democratic party.
Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax, who would become governor if Northam resigned, has been accused of sexually assaulting a woman at the Democratic National Convention in 2004. He denied the claims against him.
Herring is third in line to the governor’s office.
