Brookings man wearing blackface sparks outrage on social media

A picture of a Brookings man wearing black face is going viral.

Cole Paulson painted his face brown and wore a sign that said ‘will stand for money’.

It’s an apparent reference to Colin Kappernick and the NFL national anthem controversy.

KSFY reached out to Paulson Saturday night.

He released a statement.

“I was ignorant to the fact I was being racist and did not know the implications as to what I was doing. I had zero racist intentions and I deeply apologize to anyone I offended.” Paulson said.

He also decline to do an interview.

“I've received dozens of threats on my physical wellbeing in the last 24 hours many threatening to take my life so I'd prefer to not have any more exposure. I meant no harm and all I have gotten is pure hatred towards me today when in reality I was not trying to show any hate last night.” Paulson said.

While Paulsen’s social media accounts identify him as a South Dakota State University student, University Director of Marketing and Communications, Mike Lokrem, says Paulson is not currently enrolled at the school. However representatives from SDSU’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Community have reached out to him.