New York Assemblyman Dov Hikind is defending wearing blackface makeup, an Afro wig, and a basketball jersey to a costume party to celebrate the Jewish holiday of Purim.
Hikind says that criticism that was being leveled against him is "political correctness to the absurd. There is not a prejudiced bone in my body."
The Democrat said he doesn't regret the costume he wore to the party he recently held at his Brooklyn home because it was not meant to be offensive.
Hikind hired a makeup artist and wore an orange basketball jersey and sunglasses.
He wrote on his blog Monday: "Yes, I wore a costume on Purim and hosted a party. Most of the people who attended also wore costumes. Everywhere that Purim was being celebrated, people wore costumes. It was Purim. People dress up."
Assemblyman Karim Camara of the state Black Caucus issued a statement saying Hikind's outfit was "callous and repugnant".
The statement also said: "I am deeply shocked and outraged by the insensitive actions of Assemblyman Hikind, to dress as a black basketball player complete with tanned skin and an Afro wig. We, as leaders have to be extremely careful that we foster understanding amongst our different cultural groups and not use the images of one as a tool for humor."
Purim commemorates the salvation of the Jewish people in ancient Persia from a plot to annihilate them.
Thursday, May 23 2013 9:07 AM EDT2013-05-23 13:07:03 GMT
The NYPD arrested a suspect in the latest anti-gay attack in the city, said police.
The NYPD arrested a suspect in the latest anti-gay attack in the city, said police. The incident Monday night involved two men, who police say, had met at the Bowery Mission and went out drinking together in the East Village. Roman Gornell, 39, was arrested on Wednesday.
Thursday, May 23 2013 9:05 AM EDT2013-05-23 13:05:21 GMT
Hollywood superstar Brad Pitt made a trip to the birthplace of Frank Sinatra on Wednesday night to promote his new movie, "World War Z."
Hollywood superstar Brad Pitt made a trip to the birthplace of Frank Sinatra on Wednesday night to promote his new movie, "World War Z." Pitt stunned the crowd at the Clearview Cinemas when he walked in just before the start of the special screening.
Thursday, May 23 2013 7:23 AM EDT2013-05-23 11:23:09 GMT
New Jersey officials have seized inventory and demanded records from 29 bars and restaurants, nearly half of them TGI Fridays, that they say sold low-quality liquor to patrons who thought they were buying premium brands.
New Jersey officials have seized inventory and demanded records from 29 bars and restaurants, nearly half of them TGI Fridays, that they say sold low-quality liquor to patrons who thought they were buying premium brands.
Thursday, May 23 2013 5:47 AM EDT2013-05-23 09:47:52 GMT
Playing with a hula hoops is making its way into the exercise regimes of some of the most enviable bodies in Hollywood. Rosanna and Greg give a go in the morning.
Playing with a hula hoops is making its way into the exercise regimes of some of the most enviable bodies in Hollywood. Rosanna and Greg give a go in the morning.
Thursday, May 23 2013 5:47 AM EDT2013-05-23 09:47:14 GMT
There are three hot new colors in wedding trends this season. And jewelry accents are making their way onto bouquets and cakes. We'll take a look at what's in with wedding expert Kelee Khalil.
There are three hot new colors in wedding trends this season. And jewelry accents are making their way onto bouquets and cakes. We'll take a look at what's in with wedding expert Kelee Khalil.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 11:18 AM EDT2013-05-22 15:18:13 GMT
Oscar Romero, 32, desperately needed a bone marrow transplant. Two years later, he is healthy and grateful to the man who saved his life.
Oscar Romero, 32, desperately needed a bone marrow transplant. Two years later, he is healthy and grateful to the man who saved his life. Romero met U.S. Army Lt. Ryan Waldorf, 23, this week for the first time. The pair and the doctor who treated Romero visited the set of Good Day NY on Wednesday to discuss the successful operation.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 11:08 AM EDT2013-05-22 15:08:45 GMT
Entertainer Ceelo Green is featured on the debut single by Vicci Martinez called 'Come Along.' Martinez, a former finalist on The Voice, visited the GDNY studios in the morning and performed the new song.
Entertainer Ceelo Green is featured on the debut single by Vicci Martinez called 'Come Along.' Martinez, a former finalist on The Voice, visited the GDNY studios in the morning and performed the new song.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 11:05 AM EDT2013-05-22 15:05:36 GMT
Ping pong or table tennis is making a resurgence. It's evident at the busy Spin Galactic ping pong social club in Manhattan.
Ping pong or table tennis is making a resurgence. It's evident at the busy Spin Galactic ping pong social club in Manhattan. Co-owner Frank Raharinosy showed Rosanna and Greg a few movies. But the real demonstration came from Ro and Greg who went head-to-head at the table.
Brooklyn Assemblyman Dov Hikind
