Hikind defends wearing blackface at party

New York Assemblyman Dov Hikind is defending wearing blackface makeup, an Afro wig, and a basketball jersey to a costume party to celebrate the Jewish holiday of Purim.

Hikind says that criticism that was being leveled against him is "political correctness to the absurd. There is not a prejudiced bone in my body."

The Democrat said he doesn't regret the costume he wore to the party he recently held at his Brooklyn home because it was not meant to be offensive.

Hikind hired a makeup artist and wore an orange basketball jersey and sunglasses.

He wrote on his blog Monday:  "Yes, I wore a costume on Purim and hosted a party. Most of the people who attended also wore costumes. Everywhere that Purim was being celebrated, people wore costumes. It was Purim. People dress up."

Assemblyman Karim Camara of the state Black Caucus issued a statement saying Hikind's outfit was "callous and repugnant".

The statement also said:  "I am deeply shocked and outraged by the insensitive actions of Assemblyman Hikind, to dress as a black basketball player complete with tanned skin and an Afro wig. We, as leaders have to be extremely careful that we foster understanding amongst our different cultural groups and not use the images of one as a tool for humor."

Purim commemorates the salvation of the Jewish people in ancient Persia from a plot to annihilate them.