Kurtis Blow has issued a response to Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring's explanation for wearing blackface. In a statement, he explained that his friends "suggested we attend a party dressed like rappers we listened to at the time, like Kurtis Blow, and perform a song.” He said that he recognized his actions were done in poor taste and apologized. Kurtis Blow hit up TMZ recently and revealed his reaction to the photo and Herring's statement.
"I was shocked, totally shocked. You know, being the elder spokesman, a father, a minister, a husband, I find it totally offensive and disrespectful, degrading, it's ugly. You know, I'm prayin' for my man, Mr. Herring," Blow said. "I've seen tributes before where, you know, the blackface was not used."
Kurtis Blow then pointed out to a skit Jimmy Fallon did with LeBron James spoofing one of his songs as well as another skit Fallon did with Justin Timberlake.
Ultimately, Blow does take the high road on the situation, saying, "on a spiritual level, we need to forgive in order to receive forgiveness." However, he does feel that Herring does need to do something for the African-American community in order to gain that forgiveness.
"It was definitely a mistake on his part. It's a teachable moment, nowadays. We all should learn from this," he said. "I think if we can forgive him, he owes some kind of retribution or just some kind of commitment to help the African-American community since he has been in this situation right now."
