Turkish TV journo blackens himself before presenting report on Obama

Washington, Apr.9 (ANI): A Turkish television reporter blackened himself before presenting a news item on President Barack Obama.

He claimed he slapped on the Al Jolson face to show how much he "respected" Obama.

But according to the Daily News, Americans who viewed the footage on websites yesterday blasted his bizarre prank as offensive.

The Turkish newsman was reporting on a speech the President made on his visit to Turkey this week.

He said he blackened his face to show how the Bush administration had "darkened" the face of the Turkish people and how he hoped Obama, 47, would change things.

One writer to a web forum said: "I know Turkish fluently, and the guy was trying to attract attention by showing how much he respects Obama."

It is not the first such controversy. Italian President Silvio Berlusconi, 72, complimented Obama on his "tan" earlier this month. (ANI)