Photos taken of Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) while in college nearly 20 years ago show him wearing blackface as part of a Halloween costume portraying pop star Michael Jackson, The New York Times reported on Thursday.

The news outlet, which obtained the photos, reported he wore the costume during October 2006 while he was attending Manhattan College.

When reached by The Hill regarding the Times’ report, Lawler said in a statement that “When attempting to imitate Michael’s iconic dance moves at a college Halloween party eighteen years ago, the ugly practice of black face was the furthest thing from my mind. Let me be clear, this is not that.”

“Rather, my costume was intended as the sincerest form of flattery, a genuine homage to one of my childhood idols since I was a little kid trying to moonwalk through my Mom’s kitchen,” he continued, noting his fandom of Jackson. “I am a student of history and for anyone who takes offense to the photo, I am sorry.  All you can do is live and learn, and I appreciate everyone’s grace along the way.”

The use of blackface in America dates back several centuries and is rooted in racist portrayals and caricatures of Black people, featuring prominently during Black ministerial shows where white people darkened their face to appear Black.

The reporting throws an unexpected curveball in Lawler’s reelection bid. The freshman Republican moderate has been considered a rising star in the party, but is defending a battleground House district in New York against former Rep. Mondaire Jones (D-N.Y.), who is Black.

The district is considered a toss-up, and New York is seen as crucial to Republicans’ hopes of maintaining their House majority.