TD Apologises for Blackface Halloween Costume - But is An Apology Enough? Anti-Racism Advocate Says "It's a Start" - 16/09/2025

Social Democrats TD Eoin Hayes has apologised for wearing a 'blackface' Halloween costume.Mr Hayes issued the apology for wearing a Barack Obama costume in 2009, which included brown makeup on his hands and face.Blackface costumes have been linked to racial stereotyping, which stems from the historic 'minstrel' shows in the US where white performers blackened their faces with shoe polish and mimicked enslaved Africans.Dr Lucy Michael, Former Research Lead at The Irish Network Against Racism, says his apology is a 'good first start' but more needs to be done.Dr Lucy Michael joined us on The Agenda this morning to talk to us some more about this. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.