(Providence, RI) -- Providence candidate for mayor Robert DeRobbio is defending his role in a controversial opera production. DeRobbio held a press conference on Wednesday because he said he felt compelled to respond to criticism regarding The Mikado in 2014 at the Columbus Theatre. The show has drawn criticism for stereotyping against Japanese people. DeRobbio, the president of the company which produced the show, insisted that the actors in the show didn't use yellow-face makeup and provided evidence in the form of pictures of cast members.