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'I'm deeply sorry': Photo of Justin Trudeau in brownface emerges

A photo has emerged of Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wearing brownface make-up.

The photo was obtained by Time magazine and shows a 29-year-old Mr Trudeau at an “Arabian Nights” themed gala wearing a turban at West Point Grey Academy in 2001 where he was teaching.

His face, neck and hands are darkened. The photo is part of a yearbook.

Zita Astravas, the media relations lead for the Liberal Party of Canada, which Mr Trudeau is the leader of, confirmed to Time the photo is of Canada’s Prime Minister.

On Wednesday (local time), Mr Trudeau apologised for the incident.

“This is something I take seriously, something I take responsibility for,” he told reporters.

“I’m pissed off with myself, obviously, I’m disappointed in myself and I’m apologising to Canadians.

"I should have known better then, but I didn't and I did it and I'm deeply sorry.”

The photo’s publication could spell more trouble for Mr Trudeau, who polls say is facing a serious challenge from Conservative leader Andrew Scheer.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau listens during a meeting with US President Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House in June.
Mr Trudeau's media team have confirmed the photo is of him. He's apologised. Source: Getty Images (file pic)

Mr Trudeau has been admired by liberals around the world for his progressive policies in the Trump era, with Canada accepting more refugees than the United States. His Liberal government has also strongly advocated free trade.

But the 47-year-old son of late Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau was already vulnerable following one of the biggest scandals in Canadian political history, which arose when Mr Trudeau’s former attorney general said he improperly pressured her to halt the criminal prosecution of a company in Quebec.

Mr Trudeau has said he was standing up for jobs.

With The Associated Press

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