By Reuters
An Orthodox Jewish lawmaker in the State of New York has apologized for donning a black-face and wearing an Afro wig at a party celebrating Purim, a costume that drew criticism from fellow lawmakers and the Anti-Defamation League. Democratic Assemblyman Dov Hikind of New York City, who had earlier defended the costume on his blog, said he did not mean to offend anyone with the outfit, which also included black sunglasses and an orange jersey.
"It was not meant to offend anybody, it was not meant to hurt anybody. I'm sorry that anyone was," Hikind said in an impromptu news conference, a video of which was posted on Youtube'. The Anti Defamation League said that Hikind had "showed terrible judgment," according to the 'New York Times'.