Ohio county judge apologizes for blackface servant Halloween costume, says he meant no harm

11/16/2013

CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — An Ohio county judge has apologized for donning blackface for a Halloween costume and has met with a local NAACP leader about the issue.

The Chillicothe Gazette reports Ross County Common Pleas Judge Scott Nusbaum was photographed at a party wearing dark makeup, a pink dress and a gray wig.

Local NAACP President Olie Burton says Nusbaum explained that he chose to dress as a servant while Nusbaum’s wife dressed as Scarlett O’Hara from “Gone With the Wind.”

Nusbaum calls his costume choice “stupid and insensitive” and says he wasn’t being malicious.

Burton says he met Friday with Nusbaum, accepted his apology and considers the judge’s costume choice to be out-of-character for him.

Nusbaum acknowledged the possibility that it could lead a perception of bias or possible professional discipline.