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Famous people who said sorry to fans
- Celebrity apologies are an art form. Put it this way: if you're a celeb and you've messed up, there's a certain way to say sorry to fans. You've got to admit you were wrong, while still retaining your respectful reputation. After all, your career depends on it. Some famous figures nailed it, but for others, they only made things worse. The Dalia Lama, the holiest figure in Tibetan Buddhism worshipped by millions around the world, came under fire in February after a video of his interaction with a young boy went viral. A group of 100 young students who had just graduated from an educational program organized by the M3M Foundation visited the Dalai Lama at his temple in Dharamshala. One young boy approached him and asked to give him a hug. The 87-year-old spiritual leader motioned for the boy to join him on the stage and told the young student to kiss his cheek saying, "first here." The child kissed his cheek and gave him a hug. The Dalai Lama held onto the boy after the hug and said, “I think here also” before kissing him on the lips. Then, with his face close to the child's, he said "And suck my tongue,” sticking his tongue out. The boy quickly stuck his tongue out before trying to move away. The Dalai Lama laughed and pulled him in for another hug, as the audience laughed along. The video was widely criticized as grossly inappropriate, scandalous, and disgusting. The public outrage prompted an apology from the office of the Dalai Lama, who explained that he "often teases people he meets in an innocent and playful way, even in public and before cameras." They stated that he regretted the incident and "wishes to apologise to the boy and his family as well as his many friends across the world, for the hurt his words may have caused." Click on to see which other public figures had to apologize to their fans...
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Jill Biden
- First Lady Jill Biden offended many with a poorly worded speech at a conference for UnidosUS, a large non-profit advocacy group for the Latinx community in the US. In an attempt to express her admiration for the community, Biden said that it was “as distinct as the bodegas of the Bronx, as beautiful as the blossoms of Miami, and as unique as the breakfast tacos here in San Antonio.” The First Lady was instantly dragged on social media for her referring to such stereotypes as bodegas and breakfast tacos, suggesting her lack of knowledge of Latinx culture and diversity. Following the backlash from the media and Latinx advocacy groups across the US, Biden's press secretary posted a short tweet offering an apology: "The First Lady apologizes that her words conveyed anything but pure admiration and love for the Latino community." UnidosUS tweeted their appreciation for Biden's visit, calling her a friend and ally, but others were not so easily appeased.
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Marta Kauffman
- Hindsight is 20/20, and a lot has been learned about representation and diversity in recent years. 'Friends' co-creator Marta Kauffman spoke out after reflecting on criticism of the show's predominantly white cast. Kauffman had been dismissive of these comments in the past, but after the events of 2020, she said she finally understands. "It was after what happened to George Floyd that I began to wrestle with my having bought into systemic racism in ways I was never aware of," Kauffman said. "It's painful looking at yourself in the mirror. I'm embarrassed that I didn't know better 25 years ago." Kauffman vowed to cast with greater diversity in future and actively search out young writers of color. She also pledged a US$4 million donation to Brandeis University's African and African American studies department.
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Guy Pearce
- 'LA Confidential' and 'Memento' star Guy Pearce, whose breakout role was as a drag queen in 'The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert,' has issued a lengthy apology after tweeting about the debate around trans actors playing both trans and non-trans roles. In the now-deleted tweet, Pearce wrote, “A question–if the only people allowed to play trans characters r trans folk, then r we also suggesting the only people trans folk can play r trans characters. Surely that will limit ur career as an actor? Isn’t the point of an actor to be able play anyone outside ur own world?” When Twitter users brought up the issue of lack of roles available to trans actors, he then replied that it was “a very different point” than the one he was making. But on March 28 Peace issued an apology "for starting a fire" on Twitter, stating that he understands how the question he asked "is insensitive." Pearce said he did not believe artists should have to reveal their “personal identities, sexual preference, political stance, disability, religious beliefs etc” to gain work, while also acknowledging, “It’s clear a great many minor communities are underrepresented on screen and that so too are actors from those communities.” He added that the conversation has led him to “reflect more about acting and its place in the world,” and remarked, “Our industry is already a cesspool of politics, bums of seats funding, nepotism and favouritism.”
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Alec Baldwin - Baldwin chose to apologize to a roomful of women on 'The View' in 2009 after an angry voicemail he left on his young daughter Ireland's phone was leaked to the press. He was heard calling his own child a "rude, thoughtless pig." Terrible, but his apparent sincerity and regret for his actions seemed to satisfy a tough crowd.
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Arnold Schwarzenegger - "I am truly sorry," Arnold Schwarzenegger said, after it was revealed in 2011 that he had fathered a love child with a longtime staff member while married to Maria Shriver.
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Lance Armstrong - Armstrong shocked the world after admitting to doping in 2013. "I made those decisions, they were my mistake and I'm here to say sorry," he told Oprah Winfrey in a bombshell interview.
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Whoopi Goldberg
- Whoopi Goldberg landed herself in hot water when she said on 'The View' that the Holocaust was "not about race," but rather "about man's inhumanity to other man." When co-host Ana Navarro said, "But it's about white supremacy, it's about going after Jews and Gypsies and Roma," Goldberg countered, "But these are two white groups of people." Backlash quickly ensued and critics pointed out that Hitler himself had vented his hatred of Jewish people in racial terms. Goldberg took to Twitter after the show aired and admitted that she should have said the Holocaust was about both race and man's inhumanity to man, instead of just the one. "As Jonathan Greenblatt from the Anti-Defamation League shared, 'The Holocaust was about the Nazi's systematic annihilation of the Jewish people - who they deemed to be an inferior race.' I stand corrected." Goldberg added, "The Jewish people around the world have always had my support and that will never waiver. I'm sorry for the hurt I have caused." She was suspended from the show for two weeks.
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Lil Nas X
- Lil Nas X apologized to the trans community after cracking a joke in a since-deleted tweet on March 14 and subsequently trying to defend it. The 'Old Town Road' musician posted a photo of a woman who looked slightly similar to him and wrote, "the surgery was a success," joking that he had transitioned. Members of the LGBTQ+ community called him out, including one tweet which read, "you're a gay cis male why are you making transitioning a punchline of a joke." The star responded by writing, "im literally just saying she looks like me y'all cannot be f—ing serious." Another Twitter user quoted his defense and wrote, "Why did he have to mention surgery tho," and Lil Nas replied that it's because the woman has breasts, adding "are u dense?" Shortly after, however, the 'Industry Baby' performer changed his tune: "apologies to the trans community," he wrote. "i def handled that situation with anger instead of considering why it was not cool. much love to you guys. sorry." In response to his apology, another Twitter user wrote, "Baby, this apology ain't it! You need to apologize too the trans community in material ways that include money, sharing your platform to raise a awareness and just keep it! This is fake as hell!" Lil Nas X then quoted her tweet and replied, "girl eat my a—." Well, it was almost a successful apology.
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Ezra Miller
- 'The Flash' star Ezra Miller has caused more than a few waves with their shocking arrests, allegations of assault and harassment, and felony burglary charge, but the nonbinary actor seems to have made it out of this scary spiral. In a statement to Variety by a representative, Miller broke their silence about their troubling behavior, which has also been the chief concern of Warner Bros. and the DC Comics franchise since Miller's feature film is still set for release in 2023. “Having recently gone through a time of intense crisis, I now understand that I am suffering complex mental health issues and have begun ongoing treatment,” Miller says in the statement. “I want to apologize to everyone that I have alarmed and upset with my past behavior. I am committed to doing the necessary work to get back to a healthy, safe and productive stage in my life.” Hopefully this marks the end of Miller's reign of terror over Hollywood headlines.
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Jason Momoa
- 'Aquaman' star Jason Momoa took to Instagram on May 15 to apologize for taking photos in the Sistine Chapel while he was in Rome shooting the 10th installment of the 'Fast & Furious' saga. On May 9 he had shared snaps of himself below the famous Michelangelo paintings—photos which disgruntled fans quickly pointed out were typically forbidden. The apology video featured the actor sweaty, shirtless, and working out, before he set the weights down and said, "It's my last day in Rome, and I just love you and Italy. If you ever thought I disrespected your culture, that wasn't my intention."
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Kim Kardashian
- The advice Kim shared in a profile with Variety was not well received. "I have the best advice for women in business," Kim said. "Get your f—king a** up and work. It seems like nobody wants to work these days." Her sisters agreed, but many took issue with the advice online, offended that Kim seemed to imply that people with less economic advantages than her simply aren't working hard enough, meanwhile she grew up with privilege. During a March 28 appearance on 'Good Morning America,' Kim said her statement was "taken out of context." She told anchor Robin Roberts that the "sound bite came off the notion and the question right before which was, 'After 20 years of being in the business you're famous for being famous.' And I…my whole tone and attitude changed with the previous question that went into that question about what advice would you give to women." She claimed that overnight success doesn't automatically come with reality TV or a large social media following, and said she had to struggle to erase the negative stigma surrounding her sex tape and her reality show image. She further clarified, "It wasn't a blanket statement towards women or to feel like I don't respect the work or think that they don't work hard," she said. "I know that they do. It was taken out of context, but I'm really sorry if it was received that way."
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Joe Rogan and Daniel Ek
- After a compilation video of Joe Rogan saying the N-word almost two dozen times on his podcast went viral, the host made yet another apology video in which he called the compilation “the most regretful and shameful thing I’ve ever had to talk about publicly,” but still insisted was made up of “out of context” snippets from “12 years of conversations” on his show. “It looks horrible. Even to me.” He continued, “I know that to most people, there is no context where a white person is ever allowed to say that word, nevermind publicly on a podcast, and I agree with that now. I haven’t said it in years.” People argued online about whether his claims that saying it in context would have mattered. Spotify CEO Daniel Ek then apologized to his employees and pledged an incremental investment of US$100 million (the same amount he's paying Rogan) for 'historically marginalized' groups, but maintained, “I do not believe that silencing Joe is the answer… canceling voices is a slippery slope." Many are drawing a comparison between how Rogan is being dealt with versus how Whoopi Goldberg was immediately suspended after her comments on the Holocaust.
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Joe Rogan
- Joe Rogan weighed in on the controversy surrounding his Spotify podcast and its spread of misinformation regarding COVID-19, which prompted artists including Neil Young and Joni Mitchell to pull their music from the streaming giant and 270 medical experts to ask Spotify to include a misinformation policy. In a 10-minute video shared to Instagram on January 30, Rogan said, "If I p*ssed you off, I'm sorry," but he maintained "I’m not trying to promote misinformation.” He defended his choice to have vaccine skeptics Dr. Robert Malone and Dr. Peter McCullough on the show, but pledged to "try harder to get people with differing opinions on" to "balance it out." He said he will do his best "to make sure that I’ve researched these topics—the controversial ones in particular—and have all the pertinent facts at hand before I discuss them."
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Adele
- Adele delivered a tearful apology video on January 20 in which she postponed her entire Las Vegas residency just 24 hours before the opening night. "I'm so sorry, but my show ain't ready," the star tearfully told fans, citing Covid-19 and delivery delays. "I'm so upset, and I'm really embarrassed, and I'm so sorry to everyone who's traveled," she said, her voice breaking. She was due to play the first of 24 concerts at the Caesars Palace's Colosseum on January 21, but when it was canceled she surprised a group of disappointed fans at the casino with personal video calls. During the calls, via a member of her team, she apologized again and offered fans free merchandise and meet-and-greets when her residency eventually returns. In some videos shared to social media, the fans start chanting, "It's okay! It's okay!" as she wiped tears. While it was a huge blow to many, one concertgoer told CNN, "It just shows how you're supposed to treat your fans. There are so many artists who would not do what she's done."
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Rachel Zegler
- The 'West Side Story' actress shared a video in which she read Britney Spears' tweets to Jamie Lynn in a mocking, dramatic fashion as though auditioning for a movie role, and in a post-Free Britney era, immense backlash quickly ensued. “I’m sorry but if you’re still making fun of Britney Spears in 2022 you’re a piece of s–t. Grow up,” one social media user wrote, while another added, “Taking Britney’s trauma and turning it into a self-tape is weird a— behavior.” The video was soon removed from her social media accounts, and the 20-year-old herself eventually apologized on Twitter and wrote, “Anyone who knows me knows how much I love Britney and am rooting for her always. While I meant no disrespect whatsoever, I should have thought about how this could be perceived, and I’m so sorry for upsetting or disappointing anyone." She continued, "This is not a situation to be taken lightly, and we should all be lifting Britney up in this pivotal time. Thanks for hearing me out, and a big thank you to all who held me accountable.”
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Tiffany
- The '80s teen icon Tiffany, best known for her hit cover of the song 'I Think We're Alone Now,' apologized and explained herself after a disastrous live show. Videos of her concert in Florida went viral after the singer struggled to perform her famous hit. She seemed to forget the words and sang out of key before shouting "F— you guys — I will f—ng nail this, this is my hit!" Afterward, Tiffany posted an apology video on her Instagram. She started off by singing the chorus to 'I Think We're Alone Now,' proving she's still got it! She went on to say: "I am so sorry. I panicked. It’s not often that I lose my voice and I got up there and just absolutely had a panic attack, a meltdown. And out of my frustration, I said things that I don’t mean, at all."
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Mike Richards
- Mike Richards had only recently landed the role of 'Jeopardy!' host following the death of Alex Trebek when he got himself in hot water. Richards made some derogatory and demeaning comments about women on a podcast he hosted between 2013 and 2014. The episodes resurfaced and revealed that Richards frequently made insensitive jokes about women's weight and appearances, as well as a number of off-colour jokes about his female colleagues. Richards made a statement to apologize for his past behavior: "It is humbling to confront a terribly embarrassing moment of misjudgment, thoughtlessness, and insensitivity from nearly a decade ago. Looking back now, there is no excuse, of course, for the comments I made on this podcast and I am deeply sorry." Apparently, the apology wasn't enough, and he stepped down from his role as host and executive producer of 'Jeopardy!'
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Justin Bieber
- Justin Bieber apologized to fans for an accidental gaff. Country music star Morgan Wallen made headlines for all the wrong reasons in February after a video of him using a racial slur surfaced. He was publicly disgraced and his record contract was suspended. In August, Bieber shared a screenshot of Wallen's latest album on Instagram with the caption "Love this album." He then had to backtrack, clarifying that he doesn't "support or tolerate any sort of racism or discrimination." Bieber claimed he was completely unaware that Wallen had been involved in such a scandal, and apologized to anyone he offended.
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Lindsey Shaw
- Former Nickelodeon star Lindsey Shaw delivered a tearful apology on Instagram following criticism she received stemming from a since-deleted TikTok post. In the video, she mimics dance moves popularized by Black creators and asks, "Hey, are we OK? What the f--k is this?" The actress, first known for her role in 'Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide,' received a lot of backlash from people who perceived that her comments were racist, and in her emotional apology she explained that her intention was to make fun of generational differences between millennials and Gen Z while wiping away tears and announcing that she was going to take a break from social media.
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Lindsey Shaw
- Her 'Ned's Declassified' co-star Devon Werkheiser shared his own TikTok video afterward in which he identified the situation as "Lindsey making a very unnecessary video hating on the most popular trend on TikTok that happens to be created by Black creators, and getting rather reactionary and defensive in her comment section before deleting the video," though he also said Shaw has "a good heart" and that he condemns the "death threats" she has received.
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James Corden
- The 'Late Late Show' host apologized on Howard Stern's show after his 'Spill Your Guts or Fill Your Guts' segment came under fire by TikTok user Kim Saira. She pointed out that the segment relies on making fun of foods that are significant to Asian cultures, and created a petition to change the segment. The petition gained over 45,000 signatures. "In the wake of the constant Asian hate crimes that have continuously been occurring, not only is this segment incredibly culturally offensive and insensitive, but it also encourages anti-Asian racism. So many Asian Americans are consistently bullied and mocked for their native foods, and this segment amplifies and encourages it," the petition says. "We heard that story, and the next time we do that bit we absolutely won't involve or use any of those foods," Corden said.
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Billie Eilish
- Billie Eilish came under fire after a TikTok showed her mouthing the Asian slur "c***k" as she sang along to the lyrics from Tyler, the Creator's song 'Fish.' The compilation video then shows Eilish speaking in gibberish, which many believed to be mocking an Asian accent. The singer issued an apology on June 21, explaining that the video was from when she was 13 or 14. "I mouthed a word from a song that at the time I didn't know was a derogatory term used against members of the Asian community. I am appalled and embarrassed and want to barf that I ever mouthed along to that word." She said that song was the only time she used the word, but added that "nothing excuses the fact that it was hurtful. And for that I am sorry." As for the gibberish, she said it's just a language she made up as a kid.
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Rita Moreno
- When Lin-Manuel Miranda's new on-screen musical 'In the Heights' came under fire for colorism and failing to adequately represent Afro-Latinos, 'West Side Story' star Rita Moreno only wanted to hear applause. The Puerto Rican actress lauded Miranda for bringing "Latino-ness and Puerto Rican-ness to America," and told Stephen Colbert about the criticism: "It would be so nice if they hadn't come up with that and left it alone, just for now. They're really attacking the wrong person." She quickly came under fire herself for dismissing the concerns over colorism, and later made a public apology on Twitter, where she expressed disappointment in herself for overlooking the issue, and said, "It is so easy to forget how celebration for some is lament for others."
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Ellie Kemper
- Ellie Kemper was the focus of criticism when her attendance at a debutante ball with racist affiliations surfaced. She attended the Veiled Prophet Ball in 1999 when she was 19 years old. The event is known to have white supremacist origins. Kemper apologized to her fans, stating that she was unaware of the connections, but that she was old enough to have educated herself better at the time.
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John Cena
- While promoting 'Fast and Furious 9,' John Cena told Taiwanese broadcaster TVBS that Taiwan would be the first "country" to see the film. Backlash quickly ensued since China regards Taiwan as its sovereign territory, despite rebuttal from many of those on the self-ruled, democratic island, Reuters reports. Considering China has the world's biggest box-office, he was quick to apologize. "I made one mistake. I am very, very sorry for this mistake," Cena said in Mandarin in a video posted on his account on Weibo, a social media platform popular in China. "I love and respect China and the Chinese people," he added.
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Demi Lovato
- Demi Lovato apologized after publicly criticizing locally owned yogurt shop The Big Chill for what they felt was extremely triggering marketing of "diet" and "health" food options, labeled "guilt free," by the entrance of the store. Lovato said it was extremely triggering as someone who has struggled with an eating disorder. People were quick to point out that "diet" and "health" foods can often be inclusive to those with various dietary needs (diabetic, vegan, etc), and Lovato hopped on Instagram Live to clarify they were not trying to "bully a small business." The singer apologized for getting the "messaging wrong" and added, "I definitely jumped to conclusions and probably shouldn't have gone about this the way that I have."
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Hank Azaria
- Hank Azaria, who voiced the character Apu on ‘The Simpsons’ since 1990, appeared on Dax Shepherd's ‘Armchair Expert’ podcast and said, "Part of me feels like I need to go around to every single Indian person in this country and personally apologize." Criticism had been mounting since 2017 when Indian-American comic Hari Kondabolu's documentary, ‘Problem with Apu,’ outlined the harmful racial stereotypes behind the convenience store owner. But Azaria explained that he didn’t understand at first, and he later "read, spoke to people who knew a lot about racism, spoke to lots of Indian people and went to seminars.” He added, "Just because there were good intentions it doesn't mean there weren't real negative consequences to the thing that I am accountable for."
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Meyers Leonard
- Miami Heat's Meyers Leonard used an anti-Semitic slur while on a Twitch livestream, which spread quickly on social media. The NBA star shared an apology on Instagram on March 9, saying that he did not know it was an offensive term, but that his ignorance "is absolutely not an excuse." The Miami Heat, whose owner and CEO are both Jewish, said in a statement condemning the use of hate speech that "Leonard will be away from the team indefinitely."
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Justin Timberlake
- Following the release of the documentary ‘Framing Britney Spears,’ fans were upset at how Justin Timberlake made both Spears and Janet Jackson targets of negative press, while he escaped unscathed. After receiving heavy criticism online, Timberlake released an apology on Instagram on February 12. "I am deeply sorry for the time in my life where my actions contributed to the problem, where I spoke out of turn, or did not speak up for what was right. I understand that I fell short in these moments and in many others and benefited from a system that condones misogyny and racism."
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Justin Timberlake
- "I specifically want to apologize to Britney Spears and Janet Jackson both individually, because I care for and respect these women and I know I failed," he wrote. "I also feel compelled to respond, in part, because everyone involved deserves better and most importantly, because this is a larger conversation that I wholeheartedly want to be part of and grow from."
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Justin Timberlake
- He apologized for his “ignorance” of and participation in the entertainment industry’s sexism, and added, "I know this apology is a first step and doesn't absolve the past. I want to take accountability for my own missteps in all of this as well as be part of a world that uplifts and supports."
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Justin Timberlake - Fans quickly pointed out that Timberlake did not offer specific examples of the "actions" he regrets. He's also receiving criticism for lumping Spears’ and Jackson’s apologies together into a vague statement of regret. Looks like he's got more work to do!
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Morgan Wallen
- Country music star Morgan Wallen, whose debut album went number one in the US, has been removed from more than 400 radio playlists after a video emerged of him using a racial slur. In the footage, the 27-year-old singer is seen calling one of his friends the N-word. "I'm embarrassed and sorry," he told TMZ. "I used an unacceptable and inappropriate racial slur that I wish I could take back. There are no excuses to use this type of language, ever. I want to sincerely apologize for using the word. I promise to do better."
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Eva Longoria
- Eva Longoria made comments to MSNBC about Joe Biden's US election win, including: "Of course, you saw in Georgia what Black women have done, but Latina women were the real heroines here. Beating men in turnout in every state and voting for Biden/Harris at an average rate close to three to one.” Online backlash followed, accusing the actress of "anti-Blackness" and “the erasure of Black Latinx women."
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Eva Longoria
- “I’m so sorry and sad to hear that my comments on MSNBC could be perceived as taking credit from Black women,” she tweeted, clarifying that she meant Latinas turned out in greater numbers for progressive Democrats than Latino men. “My wording was not clear and I deeply regret that," she wrote, and went on to celebrate Black women as the “backbone of the Democratic Party.”
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Justin Bieber - On April Fool's Day 2019, the pop star posted a picture of wife Hailey Bieber seemingly pregnant. "I will apologize anyway and take responsibility and say sorry to people who were offended," he wrote.
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Ariana Grande - The pop star apologized after she was caught causing trouble at a doughnut shop. "I wanted to make a video to apologize again for the whole doughnut fiasco and craziness," she wrote.
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Celine Dion - In 2018, Celine Dion apologized to fans after cancelling a series of Las Vegas concerts. "I know how disappointing this is, and I'm so sorry," she said.
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Tiger Woods
- After a sex scandal shook Tiger Woods' world, he apologized. "I owe all of those families a special apology. I want to say to them that I am truly sorry."
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Benedict Cumberbatch - Sadly, Cumberbatch missed the funeral of 14-year-old fan Eve Shepherd. "I send my deepest sympathies to Eve's family," he wrote.
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Beyoncé - Beyoncé has a good record with concerts, but had to miss a show in Antwerp, Belgium. She posted a note to her site, apologizing for the cancellation.
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Rod Stewart - Before a show in Abu Dhabi, Stewart simulated a beheading on social media. "I send my deepest apologies," he wrote.
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Khloé Kardashian - Khloé Kardashian messed up when she posted a KKK meme on Instagram. Fans hated it, of course, and Kardashian managed a cryptic apology.
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BTS
- BTS kind of dropped the ball when members were papped wearing problematic fashion pieces. Their agency apologized, writing "to those who were uncomfortable with the imagery, we sincerely apologize."
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Jennifer Lopez - JLo got in trouble after performing at a birthday concert for Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow, the controversial president of Turkmenistan. Her publicist said sorry for the move.
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Kevin Bacon - Kevin Bacon retweeted a spoiler of his show, 'The Following,' enraging fans. "To all the fans abroad and late watchers I'm truly sorry I retweeted a spoiler," he tweeted.
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Madonna - Madonna apologized for using a racial slur in an Insta post. "I am sorry if I offended anyone with my use of the N-word on Instagram,” she wrote.
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Daniel Radcliffe - Radcliffe broke fans' hearts when he didn't show up to Comic-Con in 2010. "I apologize to all the wishful thinkers for my disappointing non-presence," he said.
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Giuliana Rancic - The Italian-American anchor made some offensive remarks about Zendaya. "Therefore, I want to say to Zendaya, and anyone else out there that I have hurt, that I am so, so sincerely sorry," she wrote.
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Seth Rogen - Seth Rogen upset fans after comparing 'American Sniper' to Nazi propaganda. "My grandfather was a veteran. My comment about the movie was not meant to have any political implications," he wrote.
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Drake - Drake has apologized to fans many times, like last year, when he apologized to Floridian fans for missing a tour date in Miami. "I got so ill so fast and I had never experienced anything like that in my life," he wrote.
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Kristen Stewart - In 2012, Kristen Stewart was caught cheating on Robert Pattinson with Rupert Sanders. "I'm deeply sorry for the hurt and embarrassment I've caused," she said in a statement.
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Reese Witherspoon - Fans of this actress were disappointed after Witherspoon was arrested in 2013. "I'm very sorry for my behavior," she said.
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Demi Lovato - Demi Lovato once tweeted about a prank, in which they hired a sex worker to sexually harass their bodyguard. They tweeted: "So sorry if anyone was offended ????"
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Jonah Hill - Jonah Hill called a paparazzo a homophobic slur, and said he was "genuinely deeply sorry to anyone who has ever been affected by that term in their life."
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Howie Mandel - The 'America's Got Talent' host made an insensitive joke on the show. "I sincerely apologize," he later tweeted.
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Aaron Sorkin - The filmmaker apologized to fans of his show 'Newsroom.' The show was seen as biased, and he wrote "I apologize and I'd like to start over."
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Fiona Apple - Fiona Apple sent out a four-page apology letter to her South American fans, after cancelling her tour dates there.
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Steve Martin
- Steve Martin posted a racially-insensitive tweet, and later apologized to fans. "To those who were offended, again, I offer a deep, sincere, and humble apology," he wrote.
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Jenelle Evans - The reality star offended her fans on Facebook, after making ableist comments. "We are very sorry about the [...] post that got published a few hours ago," her "people" posted.
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Bristol Palin - The 'Teen Mom' star apologized to her fans on Facebook, after staying silent after breaking off her engagement. "Sorry it's taken me so long to talk about this… it's been hard," she wrote.
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Kelly Osbourne
- Kelly Osbourne made an obscene statement about Latinx people on 'The View,' and went on to apologize. "But I will not apologize for being a racist as I am NOT."
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Famous people who said sorry to fans
- Celebrity apologies are an art form. Put it this way: if you're a celeb and you've messed up, there's a certain way to say sorry to fans. You've got to admit you were wrong, while still retaining your respectful reputation. After all, your career depends on it. Some famous figures nailed it, but for others, they only made things worse. The Dalia Lama, the holiest figure in Tibetan Buddhism worshipped by millions around the world, came under fire in February after a video of his interaction with a young boy went viral. A group of 100 young students who had just graduated from an educational program organized by the M3M Foundation visited the Dalai Lama at his temple in Dharamshala. One young boy approached him and asked to give him a hug. The 87-year-old spiritual leader motioned for the boy to join him on the stage and told the young student to kiss his cheek saying, "first here." The child kissed his cheek and gave him a hug. The Dalai Lama held onto the boy after the hug and said, “I think here also” before kissing him on the lips. Then, with his face close to the child's, he said "And suck my tongue,” sticking his tongue out. The boy quickly stuck his tongue out before trying to move away. The Dalai Lama laughed and pulled him in for another hug, as the audience laughed along. The video was widely criticized as grossly inappropriate, scandalous, and disgusting. The public outrage prompted an apology from the office of the Dalai Lama, who explained that he "often teases people he meets in an innocent and playful way, even in public and before cameras." They stated that he regretted the incident and "wishes to apologise to the boy and his family as well as his many friends across the world, for the hurt his words may have caused." Click on to see which other public figures had to apologize to their fans...
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Jill Biden
- First Lady Jill Biden offended many with a poorly worded speech at a conference for UnidosUS, a large non-profit advocacy group for the Latinx community in the US. In an attempt to express her admiration for the community, Biden said that it was “as distinct as the bodegas of the Bronx, as beautiful as the blossoms of Miami, and as unique as the breakfast tacos here in San Antonio.” The First Lady was instantly dragged on social media for her referring to such stereotypes as bodegas and breakfast tacos, suggesting her lack of knowledge of Latinx culture and diversity. Following the backlash from the media and Latinx advocacy groups across the US, Biden's press secretary posted a short tweet offering an apology: "The First Lady apologizes that her words conveyed anything but pure admiration and love for the Latino community." UnidosUS tweeted their appreciation for Biden's visit, calling her a friend and ally, but others were not so easily appeased.
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Marta Kauffman
- Hindsight is 20/20, and a lot has been learned about representation and diversity in recent years. 'Friends' co-creator Marta Kauffman spoke out after reflecting on criticism of the show's predominantly white cast. Kauffman had been dismissive of these comments in the past, but after the events of 2020, she said she finally understands. "It was after what happened to George Floyd that I began to wrestle with my having bought into systemic racism in ways I was never aware of," Kauffman said. "It's painful looking at yourself in the mirror. I'm embarrassed that I didn't know better 25 years ago." Kauffman vowed to cast with greater diversity in future and actively search out young writers of color. She also pledged a US$4 million donation to Brandeis University's African and African American studies department.
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Guy Pearce
- 'LA Confidential' and 'Memento' star Guy Pearce, whose breakout role was as a drag queen in 'The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert,' has issued a lengthy apology after tweeting about the debate around trans actors playing both trans and non-trans roles. In the now-deleted tweet, Pearce wrote, “A question–if the only people allowed to play trans characters r trans folk, then r we also suggesting the only people trans folk can play r trans characters. Surely that will limit ur career as an actor? Isn’t the point of an actor to be able play anyone outside ur own world?” When Twitter users brought up the issue of lack of roles available to trans actors, he then replied that it was “a very different point” than the one he was making. But on March 28 Peace issued an apology "for starting a fire" on Twitter, stating that he understands how the question he asked "is insensitive." Pearce said he did not believe artists should have to reveal their “personal identities, sexual preference, political stance, disability, religious beliefs etc” to gain work, while also acknowledging, “It’s clear a great many minor communities are underrepresented on screen and that so too are actors from those communities.” He added that the conversation has led him to “reflect more about acting and its place in the world,” and remarked, “Our industry is already a cesspool of politics, bums of seats funding, nepotism and favouritism.”
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Alec Baldwin - Baldwin chose to apologize to a roomful of women on 'The View' in 2009 after an angry voicemail he left on his young daughter Ireland's phone was leaked to the press. He was heard calling his own child a "rude, thoughtless pig." Terrible, but his apparent sincerity and regret for his actions seemed to satisfy a tough crowd.
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Arnold Schwarzenegger - "I am truly sorry," Arnold Schwarzenegger said, after it was revealed in 2011 that he had fathered a love child with a longtime staff member while married to Maria Shriver.
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Lance Armstrong - Armstrong shocked the world after admitting to doping in 2013. "I made those decisions, they were my mistake and I'm here to say sorry," he told Oprah Winfrey in a bombshell interview.
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Whoopi Goldberg
- Whoopi Goldberg landed herself in hot water when she said on 'The View' that the Holocaust was "not about race," but rather "about man's inhumanity to other man." When co-host Ana Navarro said, "But it's about white supremacy, it's about going after Jews and Gypsies and Roma," Goldberg countered, "But these are two white groups of people." Backlash quickly ensued and critics pointed out that Hitler himself had vented his hatred of Jewish people in racial terms. Goldberg took to Twitter after the show aired and admitted that she should have said the Holocaust was about both race and man's inhumanity to man, instead of just the one. "As Jonathan Greenblatt from the Anti-Defamation League shared, 'The Holocaust was about the Nazi's systematic annihilation of the Jewish people - who they deemed to be an inferior race.' I stand corrected." Goldberg added, "The Jewish people around the world have always had my support and that will never waiver. I'm sorry for the hurt I have caused." She was suspended from the show for two weeks.
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Lil Nas X
- Lil Nas X apologized to the trans community after cracking a joke in a since-deleted tweet on March 14 and subsequently trying to defend it. The 'Old Town Road' musician posted a photo of a woman who looked slightly similar to him and wrote, "the surgery was a success," joking that he had transitioned. Members of the LGBTQ+ community called him out, including one tweet which read, "you're a gay cis male why are you making transitioning a punchline of a joke." The star responded by writing, "im literally just saying she looks like me y'all cannot be f—ing serious." Another Twitter user quoted his defense and wrote, "Why did he have to mention surgery tho," and Lil Nas replied that it's because the woman has breasts, adding "are u dense?" Shortly after, however, the 'Industry Baby' performer changed his tune: "apologies to the trans community," he wrote. "i def handled that situation with anger instead of considering why it was not cool. much love to you guys. sorry." In response to his apology, another Twitter user wrote, "Baby, this apology ain't it! You need to apologize too the trans community in material ways that include money, sharing your platform to raise a awareness and just keep it! This is fake as hell!" Lil Nas X then quoted her tweet and replied, "girl eat my a—." Well, it was almost a successful apology.
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Ezra Miller
- 'The Flash' star Ezra Miller has caused more than a few waves with their shocking arrests, allegations of assault and harassment, and felony burglary charge, but the nonbinary actor seems to have made it out of this scary spiral. In a statement to Variety by a representative, Miller broke their silence about their troubling behavior, which has also been the chief concern of Warner Bros. and the DC Comics franchise since Miller's feature film is still set for release in 2023. “Having recently gone through a time of intense crisis, I now understand that I am suffering complex mental health issues and have begun ongoing treatment,” Miller says in the statement. “I want to apologize to everyone that I have alarmed and upset with my past behavior. I am committed to doing the necessary work to get back to a healthy, safe and productive stage in my life.” Hopefully this marks the end of Miller's reign of terror over Hollywood headlines.
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Jason Momoa
- 'Aquaman' star Jason Momoa took to Instagram on May 15 to apologize for taking photos in the Sistine Chapel while he was in Rome shooting the 10th installment of the 'Fast & Furious' saga. On May 9 he had shared snaps of himself below the famous Michelangelo paintings—photos which disgruntled fans quickly pointed out were typically forbidden. The apology video featured the actor sweaty, shirtless, and working out, before he set the weights down and said, "It's my last day in Rome, and I just love you and Italy. If you ever thought I disrespected your culture, that wasn't my intention."
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Kim Kardashian
- The advice Kim shared in a profile with Variety was not well received. "I have the best advice for women in business," Kim said. "Get your f—king a** up and work. It seems like nobody wants to work these days." Her sisters agreed, but many took issue with the advice online, offended that Kim seemed to imply that people with less economic advantages than her simply aren't working hard enough, meanwhile she grew up with privilege. During a March 28 appearance on 'Good Morning America,' Kim said her statement was "taken out of context." She told anchor Robin Roberts that the "sound bite came off the notion and the question right before which was, 'After 20 years of being in the business you're famous for being famous.' And I…my whole tone and attitude changed with the previous question that went into that question about what advice would you give to women." She claimed that overnight success doesn't automatically come with reality TV or a large social media following, and said she had to struggle to erase the negative stigma surrounding her sex tape and her reality show image. She further clarified, "It wasn't a blanket statement towards women or to feel like I don't respect the work or think that they don't work hard," she said. "I know that they do. It was taken out of context, but I'm really sorry if it was received that way."
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Joe Rogan and Daniel Ek
- After a compilation video of Joe Rogan saying the N-word almost two dozen times on his podcast went viral, the host made yet another apology video in which he called the compilation “the most regretful and shameful thing I’ve ever had to talk about publicly,” but still insisted was made up of “out of context” snippets from “12 years of conversations” on his show. “It looks horrible. Even to me.” He continued, “I know that to most people, there is no context where a white person is ever allowed to say that word, nevermind publicly on a podcast, and I agree with that now. I haven’t said it in years.” People argued online about whether his claims that saying it in context would have mattered. Spotify CEO Daniel Ek then apologized to his employees and pledged an incremental investment of US$100 million (the same amount he's paying Rogan) for 'historically marginalized' groups, but maintained, “I do not believe that silencing Joe is the answer… canceling voices is a slippery slope." Many are drawing a comparison between how Rogan is being dealt with versus how Whoopi Goldberg was immediately suspended after her comments on the Holocaust.
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Joe Rogan
- Joe Rogan weighed in on the controversy surrounding his Spotify podcast and its spread of misinformation regarding COVID-19, which prompted artists including Neil Young and Joni Mitchell to pull their music from the streaming giant and 270 medical experts to ask Spotify to include a misinformation policy. In a 10-minute video shared to Instagram on January 30, Rogan said, "If I p*ssed you off, I'm sorry," but he maintained "I’m not trying to promote misinformation.” He defended his choice to have vaccine skeptics Dr. Robert Malone and Dr. Peter McCullough on the show, but pledged to "try harder to get people with differing opinions on" to "balance it out." He said he will do his best "to make sure that I’ve researched these topics—the controversial ones in particular—and have all the pertinent facts at hand before I discuss them."
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Adele
- Adele delivered a tearful apology video on January 20 in which she postponed her entire Las Vegas residency just 24 hours before the opening night. "I'm so sorry, but my show ain't ready," the star tearfully told fans, citing Covid-19 and delivery delays. "I'm so upset, and I'm really embarrassed, and I'm so sorry to everyone who's traveled," she said, her voice breaking. She was due to play the first of 24 concerts at the Caesars Palace's Colosseum on January 21, but when it was canceled she surprised a group of disappointed fans at the casino with personal video calls. During the calls, via a member of her team, she apologized again and offered fans free merchandise and meet-and-greets when her residency eventually returns. In some videos shared to social media, the fans start chanting, "It's okay! It's okay!" as she wiped tears. While it was a huge blow to many, one concertgoer told CNN, "It just shows how you're supposed to treat your fans. There are so many artists who would not do what she's done."
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Rachel Zegler
- The 'West Side Story' actress shared a video in which she read Britney Spears' tweets to Jamie Lynn in a mocking, dramatic fashion as though auditioning for a movie role, and in a post-Free Britney era, immense backlash quickly ensued. “I’m sorry but if you’re still making fun of Britney Spears in 2022 you’re a piece of s–t. Grow up,” one social media user wrote, while another added, “Taking Britney’s trauma and turning it into a self-tape is weird a— behavior.” The video was soon removed from her social media accounts, and the 20-year-old herself eventually apologized on Twitter and wrote, “Anyone who knows me knows how much I love Britney and am rooting for her always. While I meant no disrespect whatsoever, I should have thought about how this could be perceived, and I’m so sorry for upsetting or disappointing anyone." She continued, "This is not a situation to be taken lightly, and we should all be lifting Britney up in this pivotal time. Thanks for hearing me out, and a big thank you to all who held me accountable.”
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Tiffany
- The '80s teen icon Tiffany, best known for her hit cover of the song 'I Think We're Alone Now,' apologized and explained herself after a disastrous live show. Videos of her concert in Florida went viral after the singer struggled to perform her famous hit. She seemed to forget the words and sang out of key before shouting "F— you guys — I will f—ng nail this, this is my hit!" Afterward, Tiffany posted an apology video on her Instagram. She started off by singing the chorus to 'I Think We're Alone Now,' proving she's still got it! She went on to say: "I am so sorry. I panicked. It’s not often that I lose my voice and I got up there and just absolutely had a panic attack, a meltdown. And out of my frustration, I said things that I don’t mean, at all."
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Mike Richards
- Mike Richards had only recently landed the role of 'Jeopardy!' host following the death of Alex Trebek when he got himself in hot water. Richards made some derogatory and demeaning comments about women on a podcast he hosted between 2013 and 2014. The episodes resurfaced and revealed that Richards frequently made insensitive jokes about women's weight and appearances, as well as a number of off-colour jokes about his female colleagues. Richards made a statement to apologize for his past behavior: "It is humbling to confront a terribly embarrassing moment of misjudgment, thoughtlessness, and insensitivity from nearly a decade ago. Looking back now, there is no excuse, of course, for the comments I made on this podcast and I am deeply sorry." Apparently, the apology wasn't enough, and he stepped down from his role as host and executive producer of 'Jeopardy!'
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Justin Bieber
- Justin Bieber apologized to fans for an accidental gaff. Country music star Morgan Wallen made headlines for all the wrong reasons in February after a video of him using a racial slur surfaced. He was publicly disgraced and his record contract was suspended. In August, Bieber shared a screenshot of Wallen's latest album on Instagram with the caption "Love this album." He then had to backtrack, clarifying that he doesn't "support or tolerate any sort of racism or discrimination." Bieber claimed he was completely unaware that Wallen had been involved in such a scandal, and apologized to anyone he offended.
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Lindsey Shaw
- Former Nickelodeon star Lindsey Shaw delivered a tearful apology on Instagram following criticism she received stemming from a since-deleted TikTok post. In the video, she mimics dance moves popularized by Black creators and asks, "Hey, are we OK? What the f--k is this?" The actress, first known for her role in 'Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide,' received a lot of backlash from people who perceived that her comments were racist, and in her emotional apology she explained that her intention was to make fun of generational differences between millennials and Gen Z while wiping away tears and announcing that she was going to take a break from social media.
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Lindsey Shaw
- Her 'Ned's Declassified' co-star Devon Werkheiser shared his own TikTok video afterward in which he identified the situation as "Lindsey making a very unnecessary video hating on the most popular trend on TikTok that happens to be created by Black creators, and getting rather reactionary and defensive in her comment section before deleting the video," though he also said Shaw has "a good heart" and that he condemns the "death threats" she has received.
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James Corden
- The 'Late Late Show' host apologized on Howard Stern's show after his 'Spill Your Guts or Fill Your Guts' segment came under fire by TikTok user Kim Saira. She pointed out that the segment relies on making fun of foods that are significant to Asian cultures, and created a petition to change the segment. The petition gained over 45,000 signatures. "In the wake of the constant Asian hate crimes that have continuously been occurring, not only is this segment incredibly culturally offensive and insensitive, but it also encourages anti-Asian racism. So many Asian Americans are consistently bullied and mocked for their native foods, and this segment amplifies and encourages it," the petition says. "We heard that story, and the next time we do that bit we absolutely won't involve or use any of those foods," Corden said.
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Billie Eilish
- Billie Eilish came under fire after a TikTok showed her mouthing the Asian slur "c***k" as she sang along to the lyrics from Tyler, the Creator's song 'Fish.' The compilation video then shows Eilish speaking in gibberish, which many believed to be mocking an Asian accent. The singer issued an apology on June 21, explaining that the video was from when she was 13 or 14. "I mouthed a word from a song that at the time I didn't know was a derogatory term used against members of the Asian community. I am appalled and embarrassed and want to barf that I ever mouthed along to that word." She said that song was the only time she used the word, but added that "nothing excuses the fact that it was hurtful. And for that I am sorry." As for the gibberish, she said it's just a language she made up as a kid.
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Rita Moreno
- When Lin-Manuel Miranda's new on-screen musical 'In the Heights' came under fire for colorism and failing to adequately represent Afro-Latinos, 'West Side Story' star Rita Moreno only wanted to hear applause. The Puerto Rican actress lauded Miranda for bringing "Latino-ness and Puerto Rican-ness to America," and told Stephen Colbert about the criticism: "It would be so nice if they hadn't come up with that and left it alone, just for now. They're really attacking the wrong person." She quickly came under fire herself for dismissing the concerns over colorism, and later made a public apology on Twitter, where she expressed disappointment in herself for overlooking the issue, and said, "It is so easy to forget how celebration for some is lament for others."
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Ellie Kemper
- Ellie Kemper was the focus of criticism when her attendance at a debutante ball with racist affiliations surfaced. She attended the Veiled Prophet Ball in 1999 when she was 19 years old. The event is known to have white supremacist origins. Kemper apologized to her fans, stating that she was unaware of the connections, but that she was old enough to have educated herself better at the time.
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John Cena
- While promoting 'Fast and Furious 9,' John Cena told Taiwanese broadcaster TVBS that Taiwan would be the first "country" to see the film. Backlash quickly ensued since China regards Taiwan as its sovereign territory, despite rebuttal from many of those on the self-ruled, democratic island, Reuters reports. Considering China has the world's biggest box-office, he was quick to apologize. "I made one mistake. I am very, very sorry for this mistake," Cena said in Mandarin in a video posted on his account on Weibo, a social media platform popular in China. "I love and respect China and the Chinese people," he added.
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Demi Lovato
- Demi Lovato apologized after publicly criticizing locally owned yogurt shop The Big Chill for what they felt was extremely triggering marketing of "diet" and "health" food options, labeled "guilt free," by the entrance of the store. Lovato said it was extremely triggering as someone who has struggled with an eating disorder. People were quick to point out that "diet" and "health" foods can often be inclusive to those with various dietary needs (diabetic, vegan, etc), and Lovato hopped on Instagram Live to clarify they were not trying to "bully a small business." The singer apologized for getting the "messaging wrong" and added, "I definitely jumped to conclusions and probably shouldn't have gone about this the way that I have."
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Hank Azaria
- Hank Azaria, who voiced the character Apu on ‘The Simpsons’ since 1990, appeared on Dax Shepherd's ‘Armchair Expert’ podcast and said, "Part of me feels like I need to go around to every single Indian person in this country and personally apologize." Criticism had been mounting since 2017 when Indian-American comic Hari Kondabolu's documentary, ‘Problem with Apu,’ outlined the harmful racial stereotypes behind the convenience store owner. But Azaria explained that he didn’t understand at first, and he later "read, spoke to people who knew a lot about racism, spoke to lots of Indian people and went to seminars.” He added, "Just because there were good intentions it doesn't mean there weren't real negative consequences to the thing that I am accountable for."
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Meyers Leonard
- Miami Heat's Meyers Leonard used an anti-Semitic slur while on a Twitch livestream, which spread quickly on social media. The NBA star shared an apology on Instagram on March 9, saying that he did not know it was an offensive term, but that his ignorance "is absolutely not an excuse." The Miami Heat, whose owner and CEO are both Jewish, said in a statement condemning the use of hate speech that "Leonard will be away from the team indefinitely."
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Justin Timberlake
- Following the release of the documentary ‘Framing Britney Spears,’ fans were upset at how Justin Timberlake made both Spears and Janet Jackson targets of negative press, while he escaped unscathed. After receiving heavy criticism online, Timberlake released an apology on Instagram on February 12. "I am deeply sorry for the time in my life where my actions contributed to the problem, where I spoke out of turn, or did not speak up for what was right. I understand that I fell short in these moments and in many others and benefited from a system that condones misogyny and racism."
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Justin Timberlake
- "I specifically want to apologize to Britney Spears and Janet Jackson both individually, because I care for and respect these women and I know I failed," he wrote. "I also feel compelled to respond, in part, because everyone involved deserves better and most importantly, because this is a larger conversation that I wholeheartedly want to be part of and grow from."
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Justin Timberlake
- He apologized for his “ignorance” of and participation in the entertainment industry’s sexism, and added, "I know this apology is a first step and doesn't absolve the past. I want to take accountability for my own missteps in all of this as well as be part of a world that uplifts and supports."
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Justin Timberlake - Fans quickly pointed out that Timberlake did not offer specific examples of the "actions" he regrets. He's also receiving criticism for lumping Spears’ and Jackson’s apologies together into a vague statement of regret. Looks like he's got more work to do!
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Morgan Wallen
- Country music star Morgan Wallen, whose debut album went number one in the US, has been removed from more than 400 radio playlists after a video emerged of him using a racial slur. In the footage, the 27-year-old singer is seen calling one of his friends the N-word. "I'm embarrassed and sorry," he told TMZ. "I used an unacceptable and inappropriate racial slur that I wish I could take back. There are no excuses to use this type of language, ever. I want to sincerely apologize for using the word. I promise to do better."
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Eva Longoria
- Eva Longoria made comments to MSNBC about Joe Biden's US election win, including: "Of course, you saw in Georgia what Black women have done, but Latina women were the real heroines here. Beating men in turnout in every state and voting for Biden/Harris at an average rate close to three to one.” Online backlash followed, accusing the actress of "anti-Blackness" and “the erasure of Black Latinx women."
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Eva Longoria
- “I’m so sorry and sad to hear that my comments on MSNBC could be perceived as taking credit from Black women,” she tweeted, clarifying that she meant Latinas turned out in greater numbers for progressive Democrats than Latino men. “My wording was not clear and I deeply regret that," she wrote, and went on to celebrate Black women as the “backbone of the Democratic Party.”
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Justin Bieber - On April Fool's Day 2019, the pop star posted a picture of wife Hailey Bieber seemingly pregnant. "I will apologize anyway and take responsibility and say sorry to people who were offended," he wrote.
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Ariana Grande - The pop star apologized after she was caught causing trouble at a doughnut shop. "I wanted to make a video to apologize again for the whole doughnut fiasco and craziness," she wrote.
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Celine Dion - In 2018, Celine Dion apologized to fans after cancelling a series of Las Vegas concerts. "I know how disappointing this is, and I'm so sorry," she said.
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Tiger Woods
- After a sex scandal shook Tiger Woods' world, he apologized. "I owe all of those families a special apology. I want to say to them that I am truly sorry."
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Benedict Cumberbatch - Sadly, Cumberbatch missed the funeral of 14-year-old fan Eve Shepherd. "I send my deepest sympathies to Eve's family," he wrote.
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Beyoncé - Beyoncé has a good record with concerts, but had to miss a show in Antwerp, Belgium. She posted a note to her site, apologizing for the cancellation.
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Rod Stewart - Before a show in Abu Dhabi, Stewart simulated a beheading on social media. "I send my deepest apologies," he wrote.
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Khloé Kardashian - Khloé Kardashian messed up when she posted a KKK meme on Instagram. Fans hated it, of course, and Kardashian managed a cryptic apology.
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BTS
- BTS kind of dropped the ball when members were papped wearing problematic fashion pieces. Their agency apologized, writing "to those who were uncomfortable with the imagery, we sincerely apologize."
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Jennifer Lopez - JLo got in trouble after performing at a birthday concert for Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow, the controversial president of Turkmenistan. Her publicist said sorry for the move.
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Kevin Bacon - Kevin Bacon retweeted a spoiler of his show, 'The Following,' enraging fans. "To all the fans abroad and late watchers I'm truly sorry I retweeted a spoiler," he tweeted.
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Madonna - Madonna apologized for using a racial slur in an Insta post. "I am sorry if I offended anyone with my use of the N-word on Instagram,” she wrote.
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Daniel Radcliffe - Radcliffe broke fans' hearts when he didn't show up to Comic-Con in 2010. "I apologize to all the wishful thinkers for my disappointing non-presence," he said.
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Giuliana Rancic - The Italian-American anchor made some offensive remarks about Zendaya. "Therefore, I want to say to Zendaya, and anyone else out there that I have hurt, that I am so, so sincerely sorry," she wrote.
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Seth Rogen - Seth Rogen upset fans after comparing 'American Sniper' to Nazi propaganda. "My grandfather was a veteran. My comment about the movie was not meant to have any political implications," he wrote.
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Drake - Drake has apologized to fans many times, like last year, when he apologized to Floridian fans for missing a tour date in Miami. "I got so ill so fast and I had never experienced anything like that in my life," he wrote.
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Kristen Stewart - In 2012, Kristen Stewart was caught cheating on Robert Pattinson with Rupert Sanders. "I'm deeply sorry for the hurt and embarrassment I've caused," she said in a statement.
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Reese Witherspoon - Fans of this actress were disappointed after Witherspoon was arrested in 2013. "I'm very sorry for my behavior," she said.
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Demi Lovato - Demi Lovato once tweeted about a prank, in which they hired a sex worker to sexually harass their bodyguard. They tweeted: "So sorry if anyone was offended ????"
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Jonah Hill - Jonah Hill called a paparazzo a homophobic slur, and said he was "genuinely deeply sorry to anyone who has ever been affected by that term in their life."
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Howie Mandel - The 'America's Got Talent' host made an insensitive joke on the show. "I sincerely apologize," he later tweeted.
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Aaron Sorkin - The filmmaker apologized to fans of his show 'Newsroom.' The show was seen as biased, and he wrote "I apologize and I'd like to start over."
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Fiona Apple - Fiona Apple sent out a four-page apology letter to her South American fans, after cancelling her tour dates there.
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Steve Martin
- Steve Martin posted a racially-insensitive tweet, and later apologized to fans. "To those who were offended, again, I offer a deep, sincere, and humble apology," he wrote.
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Jenelle Evans - The reality star offended her fans on Facebook, after making ableist comments. "We are very sorry about the [...] post that got published a few hours ago," her "people" posted.
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Bristol Palin - The 'Teen Mom' star apologized to her fans on Facebook, after staying silent after breaking off her engagement. "Sorry it's taken me so long to talk about this… it's been hard," she wrote.
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Kelly Osbourne
- Kelly Osbourne made an obscene statement about Latinx people on 'The View,' and went on to apologize. "But I will not apologize for being a racist as I am NOT."
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Famous people who said sorry to fans and supporters
The Dalai Lama apologizes for inappropriate behavior with young boy at public event
© Getty Images
Public apologies are an art form. Put it this way: if you're a celeb and you've messed up, there's a certain way to say sorry to fans. You've got to admit you were wrong, while still retaining your respectful reputation. After all, your career depends on it. Some famous figures nailed it, but for others, they only made things worse.
The Dalai Lama, the holiest figure in Tibetan Buddhism worshipped by millions around the world, came under fire in February after a video of his interaction with a young boy went viral. A group of 100 young students who had just graduated from an educational program organized by the M3M Foundation visited the Dalai Lama at his temple in Dharamshala, India. One young boy approached him and asked to give him a hug. The 87-year-old spiritual leader motioned for the boy to join him on the stage and told him to kiss his cheek saying, "first here." The child kissed his cheek and gave him a hug. The Dalai Lama held onto the boy after the hug and said, “I think here also” before kissing him on the lips. Then, with his face close to the child's, he said "And suck my tongue,” sticking his tongue out. The boy quickly stuck his own tongue out before trying to move away. The Dalai Lama laughed and pulled him in for another hug, as the audience laughed along.
The video was widely criticized as grossly inappropriate, scandalous, and disgusting. The public outrage prompted an apology from the office of the Dalai Lama, who explained that he "often teases people he meets in an innocent and playful way, even in public and before cameras." They stated that he regretted the incident and "wishes to apologise to the boy and his family as well as his many friends across the world, for the hurt his words may have caused."
Click on to see which other public figures had to apologize to their fans...
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