VA. Democrat Gov. Northam denies being in racist photo, will not resign

OAN Newsroom
UPDATED 2:38 PM PT – Sat. February 2, 2019

Democrat Virginia Governor Ralph Northam now denies being in the racist photo in his medical school yearbook, and declares his intention to finish the rest of his term.

In a press conference Saturday, Northam called the photo “disgusting and offensive” but claimed he was unaware it was on his page.

He also said, he does not believe he was in the photo,despite saying otherwise on Friday. However, Northam admitted to “darkening his face” with shoe polish for a Michael Jackson costume for a dance contest,during his time in medical school.

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam prepares to address a news conference at the Capitol in Richmond, Va., Thursday, Jan. 31, 2019. Northam made a statement and answered questions about the late term abortion bill that was killed in committee. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

In the wake of that photo’s release, several top Democrats have pushed for Northam to step down.

Virginia’s Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax spoke out on the controversy Saturday, saying he’s both shocked and saddened by the images that have come to light.

He adds, they’re an example of a “painful scourge that continues to haunt us today”.

Fairfax said Northam has personally reached-out to him and apologized, but says he can not condone these past actions.