Mr Trudeau was plunged into controversy this week following the release of images which showed the Canadian Prime Minister in black paint. The Prime Minister was pictured at a private school gala covered in black makeup during an Arabian Nights themed party in 2001.
In the wake of that initial release, Mr Trudeau was also pictured in two further pictures which showed him once again covered in black makeup.
Speaking on BBC Newsnight, former leader of the Liberal Party, Michael Ignatieff criticised the Prime Minister.
Questioned whether Mr Trudeau could come back from the controversy, Mr Ignatieff said: “It’s dumb and it’s damaging and he is going to have to dig himself out.
“I have no idea whether he can.
“This is serious business and a serious matter.”
The release of the images comes as huge blow to Mr Trudeau as the country prepares to go to the poll on October 21.
The initial picture was during Mr Trudeau’s time as a teacher at West Point Grey Academy in Vancouver.
In the picture obtained by Time Magazine, the Canadian Prime Minister is seen wearing skin-darkening make up during the gala.
JUST IN: Canada election 2019 polls: Trudeau faces battle to stay in power
Responding on the latest images, Mr Trudeau said: “I am wary of being definitive about this because of the recent pictures that came out, I had not remembered.”
The current controversy will hurt Mr Trudeau’s chances of re-election in what will be a tight election race.
Speaking again on the matter, the Prime Minister said: “Darkening your face, regardless of the context or the circumstances, is always unacceptable because of the racist history of blackface.
“I should have understood that then and I never should have done it.
“I come to reflect on that and ask for forgiveness.”
The release of the picture comes as Mr Trudeau began his re-election campaign on September 11.
The current Canadian Prime Minister has been faced a recent alleged scandal over claims that he pressured a then attorney general to drop corruption charges against a Canadian engineering firm.
Mr Trudeau also faced some criticism after he and his family wore elaborate Indian dress during a visit to the country in 2018.
Amid the recent controversy, Canada will head to the polls on October 21.
After gaining an official request to dissolve Parliament, the Canadian Prime Minister said that the country has “an important choice to make” between the “failed policies of the past” or “continuing to move forward”.