Ralph Northam says he has now learned why blackface is so offensive

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam (D) says he now has a full understanding of why blackface is offensive.

The embattled governor, who is refusing to resign after admitting to having worn blackface while in medical school, spoke with CBS This Morning and was asked what he learned from the scandal that he didn't know already. He said that he "was born in white privilege" and "didn't realize really the powerful implications of that" before.

"I have also learned why the use of blackface is so offensive and yes, I knew it in the past," he said. "But reality has really set in."

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CBS News' Gayle King told Northam that it's hard to believe this and asked him, "You didn't know the history and know that it was offensive before?" Northam told her that "I think we're all on a learning curve." King continued to probe Northam about whether he had black friends growing up, and when he said he did, she asked how he could not have been more sensitive to these issues.

"I don't have any excuses for what I did in my early life but I can just tell you that I have learned," he said. "I have a lot more to learn." Watch the interview with Northam below. Brendan Morrow