VA Governor's Yearbook Photo Showing KKK Robe, Blackface Surfaces

VIRGINIA—Democratic Gov. Ralph Northam confirmed Friday he appeared in a 1984 photo showing one person in a Ku Klux Klan robe and one in blackface. The image came from his Eastern Virginia Medical School yearbook.

"I am deeply sorry for the decision I made to appear as I did in this photo and for the hurt that decision caused then and now," said Northam in a statement. "This behavior is not in keeping with who I am today and the values I have fought for throughout my career in the military, in medicine, and in public service. But I want to be clear, I understand how this decision shakes Virginians’ faith in that commitment."

Northam did not say whether he was the person in blackface or the KKK robe. Below the photo is Northam's yearbook quote reading "There are more old drunks than old doctors in this world so I think I’ll have another beer."

The photo was first published by Big League Politics, a conservative media website led by a former Breitbart reporter. Northam had been criticized earlier in the week for supporting a bill that would have eliminated certain late-term abortion requirements. Republicans claimed Northam's comments were supportive of infanticide.

The photo prompted calls for Northam to resign, including from Virginia Republican Party chairman Jack Wilson.

"These pictures are wholly inappropriate," said Wilson. "If Governor Northam appeared in blackface or dressed in a KKK robe, he should resign immediately."

A message posted on the governor's Twitter account indicated he doesn't plan to resign.

"I recognize that it will take time and serious effort to heal the damage this conduct has caused," reads Northam's statement. "I am ready to do that important work. The first step is to offer my sincerest apology and to state my absolute commitment to living up to the expectations Virginians set for me when they elected me to be their Governor."

Image via Win McNamee/Getty Images