Sir Lenny Henry introduces himself as Justin Trudeau after Canadian Prime Minister's 'brownface' controversy

Trudeau apologised after a photo emerged showing him wearing “brownface” at a private school gala in 2001
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Isobel Frodsham20 September 2019
The Weekender

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Sir Lenny Henry joked "I am Justin Trudeau", as he took to the stage at a television conference.

The comedian and actor, 61, was speaking at a Royal Television Society (RTS) event, when he introduced himself as the Canadian prime minister.

It comes after Mr Trudeau, 47, apologised after a yearbook photo of him in "brownface" make-up at a 2001 party resurfaced online.

Sir Lenny told the crowd: "Nice to see you. I am Justin Trudeau. I'll be answering your questions any minute now.”

Justin Trudeau apologised for the 'brownface' photo
TIME/West Point Gray Academy

Campaigning for diversity, Sir Lenny has previously called on politicians to guarantee true representation in UK film and television.

On Friday, at the RTS Cambridge Convention, he spoke about "what now needs to be done" in the industry.

Across the pond, Mr Trudeau has asked Canadians to forgive him following the "brownface" controversy.

Time magazine published the photo of Mr Trudeau on Wednesday, saying it was taken from the yearbook from the West Point Grey Academy, a private school in British Columbia where Mr Trudeau worked as a teacher before entering politics.

Mr Trudeau asked Canadians to forgive him following the controversy
AP

It shows the then 29-year-old Mr Trudeau in a turban and robe with dark make-up on his hands, face and neck.

It emerged less than five weeks before a national vote in which he faces a tough fight for re-election.

"I should have known better then, but I didn't and I did it and I'm deeply sorry," Mr Trudeau told reporters on his campaign plane in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

His comments were carried live on Canadian television.

Time said the image was provided by Vancouver businessman Michael Adamson earlier this month.

Additional reporting from Press Association.

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