Justin Trudeau brownface photo surfaces ahead of Canada election - Axios

Why it matters: Trudeau, who has celebrated Canada's diversity throughout his tenure as prime minister, recently triggered a general election scheduled for Oct. 21. It will effectively be a referendum on Trudeau's first term, Axios' Dave Lawler notes.

What he's saying: While taking reporters' questions, Trudeau repeatedly said he's "pissed off" at himself and sorry to Canadians.

QuoteI dressed up in an Aladdin costume and put makeup on. I shouldn’t have done it. I should have known better, but I didn’t and I’m really sorry."
— Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau's comments to reporters

The big picture: The photo that Time published earlier Wednesday taken at the Arabian Nights gala appeared in the school's yearbook. Trudeau was 29 at the time and a teacher at the private school where the event was being held. The now-prime minister can be seen wearing a turban, robes and makeup to darken his skin.

Go deeper: The Gridiron Club's blackface past

Editor's note: This article has been updated with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's comments

https://www.axios.com/justin-trudeau-brownface-photo-canada-election-d2bbdbd3-98b3-4985-998d-24e0e6b3d1d2.html