Baltimore Police Fundraiser Canceled After Blackface Controversy

A Baltimore venue has canceled a fundraiser for six local police officers charged in the death of Freddie Gray, after it was revealed that the event would feature a blackface performance. Bobby Berger, a 67-year-old retired Baltimore police officer, was set to perform in blackface at the Nov. 1 fundraiser. Berger was fired from the force in the 1980s for his performances, The Baltimore Sun reported.

Berger often impersonated Al Jolson, a singer from the 1920s and ’30s who performed with black makeup on his face to impersonate black people. Michael’s Eighth Avenue said in a statement that Berger would not host the event. “No contract was signed with Mr. Berger,” the venue said.