After a day of protestation over perceived “political correctness to the absurd” followed by criticism from just about every city, state and local politician, Assemblyman Dov Hikind posted a “heartfelt and sincere apology” on his blog.

Hikind also tweeted the apology in parts this morning.

“Unintentional as they were, I recognize now that the connotations of my Purim costume were deeply offensive to many,” Hikind wrote. “I apologize for the pain that I have caused anyone by this incident, and by any remarks that I have made in connection with it… I sincerely hope this note will soothe any hurt feelings.”

Yesterday, Hikind held a press conference where he said, “When I made the choice, the choice was as innocent as anything in the world.”

“I was actually going to do Indians next year, but I don’t want to offend Indians,” he added.

Hikind said he was sorry that people were offended, a phrasing many politicians criticized as not apologetic enough.

A group of City Council members, led by Jumaane Williams, issued a public letter chastising the assemblyman, writing: “This is a disconcerting response, especially when we consider that on multiple occasions you have come out to loudly defend the Jewish community against real and perceived indignities.”

But several local politicos, including Attorney General Eric Schneiderman and mayoral hopefuls Bill de Blasio and Bill Thompson, couched their criticism in praise, emphasizing respect for Hikind and insisting that the recent behavior was out of character.

The Observer’s Politicker quoted several unnamed sources who reportedly felt that anyone other than Hikind would have received much stronger condemnation. The sources cited prior instances of controversial statements and actions from the assemblyman, including his characterization of Jewish support for President Obama a “disease.”

“Can you imagine if somebody else had said that?” a source reportedly said. “Internally, everyone realizes he’s a dirtbag, we’re just not going to say that because that’s the game we play.”

A source reportedly also referenced Hikind’s past connection to the Jewish Defense League, an organization the FBI deemed a “right-wing terrorist group,” as one of the intimidating things about Hikind.

“He’s like genuinely a scary dude,” the source reportedly said.

Hikind repeatedly defended the costume as in line with the spirit of Purim, the Jewish holiday that customarily involves dressing up in costume, saying he just wanted to be unrecognizable.

Follow Danielle Tcholakian on Twitter @danielleiat

The post Dov Hikind is now sincerely sorry for the blackface appeared first on Metro.us.

UPDATE: Assemblyman Dov Hikind held a press conference Monday afternoon following the backlash over his appearing in blackface at his Purim party this weekend.

Hikind had repeatedly insisted that there was nothing wrong with the blackface, and dismissed the offended responses as overly politically correct.

Assemblyman Karim Camara, chair of the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic and Asian Caucus, issued a statement expressing shock and outrage, and calling Hikind’s actions “insensitive.”

“I find the actions of the Assemblyman to be callous and repugnant,” Camara said in the statement. “At the very least, an apology should be issued to those who found his portrayal objectionable.”

At the press conference, Hikind apologized that people were offended.

“We live in a society where everyone is sensitive about everything,” Hikind said. “It’s not difficult for me to say, OK, fine.”

Some city politicians, including Brooklyn City Councilman Jumaane Williams, have noted Hikind’s reputation for frequent and immediate responses to “perceived and real” slights against his community.

Within hours, the website isblackfacefunnyyet.com was created, featuring a succinct answer to the day’s big question.

Metro’s original story is below.

Brooklyn Assemblyman Dov Hikind reportedly dressed up in blackface at his Purim celebration this weekend.

A short post on Hikind’s blog this morning is titled “It’s Purim. People Dress Up.”

The post reads: “I am intrigued that anyone who understands Purim—or for that matter understands me—would have a problem with this. This is political correctness to the absurd. There is not a prejudiced bone in my body.”

Hikind’s 23-year-old son posted a photo of his parents in costume on Facebook with the caption “how cool are my folks… Lol.”

In the photo, Hikind is wearing an afro wig and what looks like a neon orange jumpsuit, but is apparently a basketball jersey.

Hikind reportedly told Politicker that he “was just, I think, I was trying to emulate, you know, maybe some of these basketball players. Someone gave me a uniform, someone gave me the hair of the actual, you know, sort of a basketball player.”

He also reportedly told CBS “if [he] was black, on Purim [he] would have made [his] face white.”

Hikind’s office said they have not yet released a statement and Hikind was unavailable for interview. His press secretary Yehuda Meth said they are planning a press conference.

Follow Danielle Tcholakian on Twitter @danielleiat

The post (UPDATE) Dov Hikind sort of apologizes for blackface appeared first on Metro.us.