Liberal candidate apologizes for suggesting black Canadians 'love' Trudeau for wearing blackface

Judy Sgro says her comments were insensitive

Catharine Tunney · CBC News · Posted: Oct 09, 2019 1:23 PM ET

Judy Sgro says she should have known better than to suggest many people like Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau more because he did blackface. (CBC)

A Toronto-area Liberal candidate is apologizing for suggesting people "in the black community" like Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau more because he dressed up in blackface.

Nearly two weeks ago, Judy Sgro, who is vying for re-election in the riding of Humber River-Black Creek, gave a one-on-one interview with a news organization called GBKM FM. During the interview, she was asked about Trudeau wearing blackface makeup.

"Those in the black community have told me how much more love they have for the prime minister, that he wanted to have a black face. That he took great pride in that, too," Sgro said. "And that it's the media that have blown this into something that it shouldn't be and that they're very supportive."

Sgro said nearly everyone has made "poor choices" in the past.

In an interview with a local radio station, Ontario Liberal candidate Judy Sgro suggests that black voters in her riding like Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau more because of his history with blackface. 1:39

A video clip from that interview resurfaced today and is being widely shared online.

Sgro acknowledged on her Facebook page today that those comments were insensitive.

"I should have known better, and I apologize. The history of blackface is deeply racist and it is nothing other than discriminatory," she wrote.

"This issue has sparked an important conversation in our country and needs to be treated with great seriousness and sensitivity. I will continue to have these important conversations with my constituents."

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh called her comments "ludicrous."

"It is embarrassing and shameful that she would suggest that people like Mr. Trudeau more because he did blackface," he said during a media availability today.

"That shows a massive disconnect between the Liberal Party, and in fact Mr. Trudeau, and what real people are living and experiencing."

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh reacts to Ontario Liberal candidate Judy Sgro suggesting black voters in her riding like Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau more because of his history with blackface. 0:24

The federal election campaign was upended last month when Time magazine reported that Trudeau dressed in blackface and a turban back in 2001 for a gala event at West Point Grey Academy, the B.C. private school Trudeau taught at 18 years ago.

Trudeau subsequently admitted to wearing blackface at a high school talent show. Global News has reported a third instance of Trudeau wearing blackface in the 1990s.

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1969 Comments

David Raymond Amos
Methinks liberals are proving to us on a daily basis just how truly dumb they are Yet a majority of Canadians voted for them last time and may do so again N'esy Pas?

Braden Walker

Reply to @David Raymond Amos: I think conservative voters have mistaken that a lot of liberal votes are not FOR the liberal party, but AGAINST the conservative party. With 3 left wing parties, and 1 right wing (sorry PPC), the left is forced to strategically vote.

Lynn McMillan

Reply to @Braden Walker:
so voting for a ethic violation, scandal filled, se xua l as ssa ult (rose knight), blackface r ac is t is better than Scheer....what a joke.

Braden Walker

Reply to @Lynn McMillan: To be fair, I suspect you've forgotten all the scandals with the previous conservative government, along with what I would call financial malfeasance. I have personally found the only people still "offended" by JT's black face are white conservative voters.

David Raymond Amos

Reply to @Braden Walker: Whats wrong with voting for Independents such as myself? There is nothing in the Constitution about political parties(gangs)

Methinks wise folks should forget the Fake Left plan about strategic voting and vote for the person in their riding whom they feel best represents them and let the political cards fall where they as far as who becomes the Prime Minister N'esy Pas?

David Raymond Amos

Reply to @Braden Walker: Yea Right

David Raymond Amos Round 3

Wednesday 9 October 2019