Third of Americans think blackface for Halloween is absolutely fine, study reveals

You might think that news stories citing university students in blackface or Gucci selling a suspicious-looking balaclava are an exception.

Well, think again, because according to a new poll, more than a third of Americans believe that it's acceptable to wear blackface for a Halloween costume.

The Pew Research Center poll revealed that 34 per cent believe that it's always or sometimes acceptable for a white person to paint their face black to pretend to be a different race, while 53% believe it is rarely or never acceptable.

The figures come amidst top Virginia officials - governor Ralph Northam and attorney general Mark Herring - admitting to wearing blackface in the 1980s during a costume party. While the two officials have received calls to resign, both have said they're planning on staying in office.

As shocking as these statistics might seem, many on social media weren't as surprised.

More: Man wears 'racist' blackface costume on the London Underground