The Definitive List Of Justin Trudeau's Halloween Costumes: From Han Solo To The 'Brownface' Scandal

The legacy of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Halloween costumes is a complex narrative, one that has become inextricably linked to a major national scandal. While the Trudeau family was once celebrated for their elaborate and creative group costumes, the focus for political analysts and the public has permanently shifted to a single, deeply controversial outfit from over two decades ago. As of December 11, 2025, the discussion surrounding "Justin Trudeau's Halloween costume" remains dominated by the fallout from the 2019 revelation of his 2001 "brownface" makeup incident, a controversy that continues to shape his public image and political career.

The controversy forced a reckoning with issues of racial insensitivity and cultural appropriation in Canadian politics, prompting multiple apologies from the Prime Minister. This comprehensive article delves into the full history of his most notable costumes, providing context for the outfits that garnered praise and the one that nearly derailed his leadership.

Justin Trudeau: A Brief Biographical and Political Profile

Justin Pierre James Trudeau is a prominent Canadian politician whose career has been marked by both high-profile successes and significant public scrutiny. Born into a political dynasty, his life and choices—including his Halloween attire—are constantly under the national and international microscope.

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• Full Name: Justin Pierre James Trudeau
• Born: December 25, 1971, in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
• Father: Pierre Elliott Trudeau (15th Prime Minister of Canada)
• Education: McGill University (B.A. in Literature), University of British Columbia (B.Ed.)
• Early Career: Worked as a high school teacher in Vancouver, notably at West Point Grey Academy.
• Political Entry: First elected to the House of Commons in 2008.
• Party Leadership: Became Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada in 2013.
• Prime Ministership: Served as the 23rd Prime Minister of Canada from 2015 to 2025.
• Family: Married to Sophie Grégoire Trudeau (separated in 2023); they have three children: Xavier, Ella-Grace, and Hadrien.

The Infamous 2001 'Brownface' Aladdin Costume Scandal

The single most consequential "costume" in Justin Trudeau’s history was not worn for a traditional Halloween celebration but at an "Arabian Nights" themed gala in 2001. The photograph, published by TIME Magazine in September 2019 during the federal election campaign, immediately ignited a firestorm of controversy and became a defining moment of his political career.

The West Point Grey Academy Gala

In 2001, Trudeau was a 29-year-old drama teacher at the private West Point Grey Academy in Vancouver. The photo showed him wearing a turban and robes, complete with "brownface" makeup applied to his face, neck, and hands, as part of an Aladdin costume. The image was featured in the school’s yearbook, The Ledge.

Upon the photo's release, the public reaction was swift and overwhelmingly negative. Critics across the political spectrum condemned the act as a clear example of racism and cultural appropriation, highlighting the painful history of blackface and brownface minstrelsy. These practices historically mocked and dehumanized people of colour, particularly those of African and South Asian descent.

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The Multiple Incidents and Apologies

The controversy quickly escalated as two other incidents of Trudeau wearing skin-darkening makeup surfaced within hours of the initial report.

1. The 2001 Aladdin Costume: The "brownface" photo from the West Point Grey Academy gala. Trudeau stated he was "deeply sorry" and should have understood the racist nature of the act at the time.
2. The High School Blackface: Trudeau admitted to wearing blackface makeup in high school while performing the song "Day-O" at a talent show. This was a separate incident from the 2001 photo.
3. The Third Video Incident: A brief video clip emerged showing Trudeau, again in blackface, with his hands and face darkened, during what appeared to be another performance. When questioned, Trudeau admitted he could not recall the exact number of times he had worn blackface or brownface makeup.

The Prime Minister’s comprehensive apology addressed the pain his actions caused to marginalized communities. He acknowledged that what he considered a "dumb thing to do" was, in fact, a racist act that he deeply regretted. The timing—during an election campaign—ensured the issue became a central topic of debate on race and privilege in Canada.

A Look at Justin Trudeau’s Non-Controversial Family Halloween Costumes

Prior to the 2019 scandal, Justin Trudeau and his family, including his then-wife Sophie Grégoire Trudeau and their three children, were famous for their high-effort, often coordinated Halloween costumes. These outfits were a regular feature in Canadian media, showcasing a lighter, more personable side of the political family. After the blackface controversy, Trudeau opted not to wear a costume for several years, a clear indication of the controversy’s lasting impact.

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Here is a list of some of the Trudeau family’s most celebrated and well-received Halloween costumes:

The Pop Culture and Literary Lineup

• 2017: Sherlock Holmes (with The Little Prince Pilot)
  Trudeau dressed as the iconic detective Sherlock Holmes, complete with a deerstalker hat and pipe. Sophie Grégoire Trudeau accompanied him as a bird, while their youngest son, Hadrien, stole the show as the pilot from the classic French novella, The Little Prince.
• 2016: Han Solo and Princess Leia
  In a popular nod to the Star Wars franchise, Trudeau donned the vest and blaster of Han Solo, while Sophie Grégoire Trudeau was dressed as Princess Leia. This was seen as a classic, family-friendly choice.
• 2015: The Pilot from The Little Prince
  In his first year as Prime Minister, Trudeau dressed as the pilot from The Little Prince, while Sophie was dressed as a mysterious, hooded figure. This literary choice was praised for its originality.
• 2012: Left Shark (Katy Perry Homage)
  A more lighthearted and subtle costume, Trudeau dressed as the "Left Shark," referencing the viral dancer from Katy Perry’s 2015 Super Bowl halftime show. This demonstrated a willingness to engage with contemporary pop culture.
• Undated: Superman
  Reports also indicate Trudeau has dressed as the classic superhero Superman in an undated costume, further cementing his reputation for family-friendly, recognizable characters.

The Enduring Impact on Political Image

The contrast between the fun, public-facing family costumes and the deeply offensive nature of the 2001 "brownface" incident highlights the duality of Trudeau's public persona. The scandal permanently altered how his past actions are viewed, shifting the narrative from a playful politician who embraces the holiday to a figure whose past demonstrates a significant blind spot on issues of race and equity.

The blackface controversy remains a potent talking point for his political opponents and a source of deep disappointment for many voters. It serves as a constant reminder that actions taken long before entering the highest office can still have significant, career-defining consequences in the modern political landscape. The incident continues to be a key entity in any discussion of Justin Trudeau’s political legacy and his relationship with Canada’s diverse population.