Hikind Takes to Twitter to Apologize Again for Blackface Costume

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hikindA day after he expressed first defiance and then regret over a blackface costume worn to a Purim celebration, Brooklyn Assemblyman Dov Hikind continued to apologize on Twitter and his blog.

“Unintentional as they were, I recognize now that the connotations of my Purim costume were deeply offensive to many,” Hikind wrote on Tuesday. “I am sincerely sorry that I have hurt anyone. I apologize for the pain that I have caused anyone by this incident, and by any remarks that I have made in connection with it.”

The explanation came in the face of mounting criticism for the Brooklyn assemblyman, who initially resisted apologizing for dressing up as a basketball player at masquerade party to mark the Jewish holiday of Purim and called the backlash to his costume “absurd.”

But politicians throughout the city demanded that he show more contrition for the costume, which surfaced on his son’s Facebook account and was first reported by the New York Observer.

At a hastily called press conference Monday, Hikind softened his stance. “Anyone that was offended, I am sorry that they were offended,” he said.

But even Hikind’s lengthier apology Tuesday didn’t stem the tide of complaints. Members of the black clergy and elected officials led by City Councilman Charles Barron gathered Tuesday morning on the steps of City Hall to denounce Hikind.

Barron called on Hikind to resign and asked Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver to remove Hikind from his position as assistant majority leader. “That to me would show this state that you would not tolerate this kind of behavior. If he doesn’t do that, it’s just a slap on the wrist,” said Barron.

Speakers also referenced Hikind’s frequent denouncement of actions he found to be anti-Semitic. “Dov Hikind is the first person who will holler about something when he thinks or hears a whisper that it might be anti-Semitic but does not recognize something is disrespectful to another community,” said Assembly member Annette Robinson.

There was tension even among the speakers, with Barron approaching the podium again after Councilman Jumaane Williams, who called on Hikind to make a sincere apology. Barron said speakers weren’t asking for any more apologies, “not at this press conference.”

Prior to the event, Barron called out to Mayor Bloomberg as the Mayor made his way into City Hall to ask him where he stood on the controversy. “This time we agreed,” Bloomberg shouted back at him.

Source: METROPOLIS

{Matzav.com Newscenter}


13 COMMENTS

  1. There is unfortunately a double standard for

    politicians and civil servannts who are

    orthodox.

    Although we live in a democracy at times it feels like its is a totalitarian leadership.

    Ask most orthodox civil servants of the constant harassment they have to endure and remain silent.

    The criticism of Dov Hikind is rather harsh and in my opinion overkill.

  2. “Dov Hikind is the first person who will holler about something when he thinks or hears a whisper that it might be anti-Semitic but does not recognize something is disrespectful to another community,” said Assembly member Annette Robinson.

  3. Should not have apologized. Should have told them to take their “sensitivities”. Amazing, how the community that largely supports real racist haters such as Farrakhan, Sharpton and Jackson, are so “sensitive” to some obscure historical events. Most blacks in NYC do not even descend from the American slaves, they and/or their ancestors immigrated to this country throughout the 20th century from the Caribbean and sometimes Africa. Same as the majority of the white population of NYC – immigrated to this country way after slavery, had nothing to do with the Southern racism, KKK, and black faces. Plainly, there is an attempt to manipulate people who had nothing to do with racism and slavery in the first place. Used by people who did not suffer from the American slavery and Jim Crow racism, all to achieve more and more political power. When will we stand up to this deceiving Saul Alinsky tactic? When will we say – no, we won’t apologize for doing nothing wrong, we won’t give you an inch.

  4. One would think that at a time where the President of the US is African-American, the tolerance for a prank like this would higher.
    There was clearly no offense meant!! People dress up as cowboys and “Indians” or as “China-man”. The next think will be protest from the Native Americans and Chinese whenever there is a costume party.
    Sound like someone wants to get rid of Hikind.

  5. I have grown up with Blacks and they are my clients. You must know what offends each culture you encounter. 1. You do not use the “n” word. 2. You do not call them “boy” 3. You do not say anything about their “mamma and you do not put on black face.

  6. Don’t we have free speech in this Country? Leave Dov alone. The other websites are bashing him already. Matzav should stay above the fray!

  7. Is anyone going to point out the fact that he doesn’t even look like blackface in the photo? Seriously he looks like a white guy with a really dark tan.

  8. Really he did nothing wrong, but as #9 said , if your in public office you have to be more sensitive. Also looking at the family pictures it looks more like Halloween than Purim. That to me is a bigger problem!

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