Can you be racist about DEATH? Reveller was banned from a student Halloween party because his 'Grim Reaper' black face paint might have caused racial offence

A reveller who painted his face black as part of a 'Grim Reaper' fancy dress outfit says he was left humiliated after being barred from a university party in case he caused racial offence.

Ryan Lytwyn, 22, wore a creepy cloak and smeared his face black to emphasise his ghoulish white and red eyes.

But when he reached the door of the Edinburgh University Student Union Halloween event he was immediately turned away.

He fell foul of strict Union rules on fancy dress, which include a ban on dressing up as Mexicans, gangsters, mental health patients and 'camp men'.

Ryan, who graduated with a degree in politics from the university earlier this year, said: 'Everyone thinks it's ridiculous. I felt like I was accused of blacking up which in itself is offensive to me. It's also quite bizarre to compare the Grim Reaper to that as well.

'I asked them if my makeup had caused offence and the manager answered no, but that some might find it offensive.

'I asked them if anyone had complained and they said no one had complained but that they might complain.

'They told me I had to leave unless I removed the makeup. To be singled out in the queue was embarrassing.'

SOURCE