Beloved Actors Who Apologized—But It Was Too Late

Public apologies in the entertainment industry often serve as a final attempt to salvage a career after significant controversy or professional fallout. For many high-profile male actors, these statements of regret arrived only after the damage was largely irreparable or the public had already shifted its perspective. These instances illustrate the complex tension between celebrity accountability and the timing of public contrition. The following list examines prominent actors who issued apologies that many felt came too late to restore their previous standing.

Kevin Spacey

Kevin Spacey faced significant career fallout following allegations of sexual misconduct by actor Anthony Rapp in 2017. Spacey issued a public apology on social media, where he also chose to come out as gay, a move that drew widespread criticism for conflating his sexuality with the allegations. This statement resulted in his immediate removal from the final season of ‘House of Cards’ and his replacement by Christopher Plummer in the film ‘All the Money in the World’. Despite his legal acquittals in later years, his reputation in Hollywood remains deeply tarnished. He has since made limited attempts to return to the screen in independent productions.

Louis C.K.

Louis C.K. admitted to several instances of sexual misconduct after a detailed report was published by The New York Times in 2017. He released a statement acknowledging that the stories told by the women were true and expressed remorse for his actions. The fallout led to the cancellation of his film ‘I Love You, Daddy’ and the termination of his deals with various networks. While he eventually returned to stand-up comedy and won a Grammy Award, his mainstream acting career in shows like ‘Baskets’ has largely ended. The apology was widely viewed as a reactive measure following the public exposure of his long-rumored behavior.

Mel Gibson

Mel Gibson issued a series of apologies following a 2006 DUI arrest during which he made several antisemitic remarks. Although he sought professional help and expressed deep regret, the incident led to a nearly decade-long exile from major Hollywood productions. His career took another hit in 2010 when audio recordings of racist and sexist rants toward his former partner were made public. While he eventually returned to directing with ‘Hacksaw Ridge’, his status as a leading man in films like ‘Lethal Weapon’ was permanently altered. Many critics felt his subsequent apologies were insufficient given the repetitive nature of his public outbursts.

Will Smith

Will Smith apologized to Chris Rock and the Academy after slapping the comedian during the live broadcast of the 2022 Oscars. The actor issued a written statement and later a video apology, expressing deep regret for his behavior and the overshadowing of the evening’s winners. Despite his apology, the Academy banned Smith from attending the Oscars for ten years. The incident caused a significant rift in his public image, affecting the release and reception of subsequent projects like ‘Emancipation’. Public sentiment remains divided on whether the apology was timely enough to mend the professional damage.

James Franco

James Franco addressed allegations of sexual misconduct and inappropriate behavior toward students at his acting school during a 2021 podcast interview. This apology came years after the initial allegations surfaced in 2018 and after he reached a multi-million dollar settlement with his accusers. Franco admitted to struggling with sex addiction and acknowledged that he had behaved in a way that was not consensual. The delay in his admission led to his removal from various projects and a general distancing by former collaborators like Seth Rogen. His career has not yet recovered to the heights seen during his time on ‘The Deuce’.

Armie Hammer

Armie Hammer issued statements expressing regret over his personal conduct after a series of leaked messages and allegations of emotional abuse surfaced in 2021. The controversy led to him being dropped by his agency and losing roles in major projects such as ‘Shotgun Wedding’ and the series ‘The Offer’. Hammer later checked into a treatment facility to address issues with substance abuse and trauma. Despite his later interviews expressing remorse for his behavior, his presence in Hollywood has largely vanished. The actor’s career remains in a state of indefinite hiatus following the public scandal.

Shia LaBeouf

Shia LaBeouf issued an apology following a lawsuit filed by his former partner FKA Twigs, which alleged physical and emotional abuse. The actor stated that he had been abusive to himself and everyone around him for years and expressed shame for his history of hurting people. This admission came after years of public outbursts and legal troubles that had already strained his professional relationships. LaBeouf subsequently sought long-term inpatient treatment and was dropped from several high-profile projects. While he has appeared in independent films like ‘Padre Pio’, his mainstream standing remains heavily impacted.

Mark Wahlberg

Mark Wahlberg faced renewed scrutiny in 2014 when he sought a pardon for racially motivated assaults he committed as a teenager in 1988. The actor issued apologies to the victims and the public, stating that he had spent the rest of his life trying to make up for his past mistakes. However, many critics argued that the timing of the apology, coinciding with the pardon request, felt opportunistic rather than sincere. Wahlberg eventually dropped the pardon petition but continues to face questions about his past whenever new projects like ‘The Departed’ are discussed. His transition to a family-friendly leading man has been successful, yet the controversy remains a persistent footnote.

Justin Timberlake

Justin Timberlake issued a public apology to Britney Spears and Janet Jackson in 2021 following the release of the documentary ‘Framing Britney Spears’. The apology addressed his past treatment of the women, specifically regarding the media narrative surrounding his breakup with Spears and the 2004 Super Bowl incident with Jackson. Many fans pointed out that the apology came nearly two decades after the events took place and only after significant public pressure. While Timberlake continues to release music and act in films like ‘Palmer’, the apology was viewed by many as a overdue response to historical misconduct. His public persona has since faced increased scrutiny regarding his past professional interactions.

Ezra Miller

Ezra Miller issued an apology in 2022 following a string of arrests and reports of erratic behavior across various countries. The actor stated they were suffering from complex mental health issues and had begun ongoing treatment to move toward a healthy and productive stage in life. This apology occurred just as the marketing for the high-budget film ‘The Flash’ was beginning, leading to accusations that it was a strategic move by the studio. Despite the statement, the public remained skeptical, and Miller’s future in the DC cinematic universe was left in question. The actor has largely remained out of the public eye since the film’s release.

Liam Neeson

Liam Neeson faced intense backlash in 2019 after an interview where he admitted to seeking a random Black man to kill in retaliation for the rape of a friend decades earlier. Neeson apologized on television shortly after, clarifying that he was not a racist and had sought help to overcome his feelings of anger. The admission led to the cancellation of the red carpet premiere for his film ‘Cold Pursuit’. While Neeson has continued to work steadily in action thrillers like ‘Taken’, the incident left a lasting mark on his public reputation. The delay in revealing such a problematic history led many to question the timing of his transparency.

Michael Richards

Michael Richards issued a televised apology after a viral video captured him using racial slurs toward audience members during a stand-up set in 2006. The actor, best known for his role as Kramer on ‘Seinfeld’, appeared on ‘Late Show with David Letterman’ to express his regret and shame. However, the apology was met with awkwardness and skepticism, failing to halt the immediate decline of his career. Richards largely withdrew from the public eye for years, only making sporadic appearances in smaller projects. His legacy remains heavily defined by the incident at the Laugh Factory.

Dustin Hoffman

Dustin Hoffman released a statement in 2017 apologizing for his conduct toward a teenage intern on the set of ‘Death of a Salesman’ in the 1980s. He stated that the behavior described did not reflect who he is as a person, but more allegations from other women surfaced shortly after. The actor faced public confrontations regarding these claims, most notably during a panel discussion where his defensive responses were widely criticized. The controversy cast a shadow over his later career and his legendary status in films like ‘The Graduate’. Critics noted that the decades of silence before the apology made it feel insufficient to the victims.

Morgan Freeman

Morgan Freeman issued an apology in 2018 after a CNN report featured several women accusing him of inappropriate behavior and harassment on film sets. Freeman stated that it was never his intent to make anyone feel uncomfortable or disrespected and apologized to anyone who felt that way. The actor emphasized that he did not create unsafe work environments, but the report led to a temporary pause in some of his professional accolades. While he continues to work in films like ‘The Shawshank Redemption’ sequels and narrations, the allegations impacted his image as a “grandfather” figure in Hollywood. The apology was seen by some as a defensive measure against the burgeoning MeToo movement.

Ben Affleck

Ben Affleck apologized to actress Hilarie Burton in 2017 after a video resurfaced showing him acting inappropriately toward her during an appearance on ‘TRL’ years earlier. Affleck tweeted that he “acted inappropriately” and sincerely apologized for the incident. This apology came during a period when Affleck was already under fire for his initial comments regarding the Harvey Weinstein scandal. The timing led to accusations that he was only addressing the incident because it had regained public traction. While he remains a major star in films like ‘Good Will Hunting’, the event is frequently cited in discussions of his public conduct.

Jeffrey Tambor

Jeffrey Tambor apologized for being “difficult” and “mean” to work with after allegations of sexual misconduct surfaced on the set of ‘Transparent’ in 2017. While he denied the sexual harassment claims, he admitted to having a temper and causing friction with his co-stars. The actor was eventually written out of the series and faced a significant backlash from the LGBTQ+ community. Although he appeared in ‘Arrested Development’ following the scandal, his career has largely slowed down. His apology for his temperament was viewed by many as an attempt to pivot away from the more serious allegations.

Hartley Sawyer

Hartley Sawyer was fired from the television series ‘The Flash’ in 2020 after a series of old tweets containing racist and misogynistic language were discovered. Sawyer issued an apology on Instagram, stating that he was ashamed of his past behavior and that the words did not reflect the man he had become. Despite his statement, the network took immediate action, and he was removed from the show. The apology came only after the tweets were brought to public attention by fans and activists. He has not had a significant acting role since the incident occurred.

Isaiah Washington

Isaiah Washington issued multiple apologies after using a homophobic slur directed at co-star T.R. Knight on the set of ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ in 2006. The incident and his subsequent handling of it during the Golden Globes led to his contract not being renewed for the following season. Washington attempted to redeem himself through public service announcements and interviews, but the damage to his reputation was extensive. He later returned to the show for a guest appearance years later, but his career never regained its previous momentum. The delay and perceived insincerity of his initial responses were major factors in his professional decline.

Thomas Gibson

Thomas Gibson apologized after an on-set physical altercation with a producer led to his firing from ‘Criminal Minds’ in 2016. The actor expressed regret over the incident, citing creative differences and a heated moment as the cause of the conflict. However, reports of previous disciplinary issues on the set made his apology seem like a late response to a pattern of behavior. Fans of the show campaigned for his return, but the network moved forward without him. Gibson has remained relatively inactive in the industry since his departure from the long-running series.

Ansel Elgort

Ansel Elgort issued a statement in 2020 responding to an allegation of sexual assault involving a young woman in 2014. Elgort denied the assault but apologized for his past behavior, describing the relationship as “brief, casual, and not at all legal.” The wording of the apology was heavily criticized for being evasive and for his use of the phrase “not at all legal.” The controversy broke just as he was set to star in the high-profile remake of ‘West Side Story’. While the film was released, Elgort’s public appearances were significantly curtailed during the promotional cycle.

Drake Bell

Drake Bell apologized to fans in 2021 after pleading guilty to charges of attempting to endanger a child and disseminating matter harmful to juveniles. The former ‘Drake & Josh’ star stated that he had made poor decisions and expressed remorse for the pain he caused his family and followers. The apology came after months of silence and legal proceedings that revealed the nature of his communications with a minor. The incident led to a widespread distancing from the actor by his former network and fans. His career as a voice actor and musician has been severely impacted by the conviction.

Chris Noth

Chris Noth issued a statement in 2021 after several women accused him of sexual assault following the premiere of ‘And Just Like That…’. Noth denied the allegations of assault but admitted to having extramarital encounters, stating that “no means no” is a line he did not cross. The fallout was immediate, with his character being edited out of the show’s finale and his removal from the series ‘The Equalizer’. The apology for his infidelity was seen as a secondary concern to the serious legal and professional accusations he faced. His reputation as a beloved television leading man was effectively ended by the scandal.

Jason Mitchell

Jason Mitchell released a statement in 2019 expressing his desire to move forward after being fired from the series ‘The Chi’ due to allegations of misconduct. The actor, who rose to fame in ‘Straight Outta Compton’, was accused of inappropriate behavior by co-stars and showrunners. While he initially denied the severity of the claims, he later spoke about the need for self-reflection and growth. The scandal resulted in him losing his agency and several film roles that were in development. His career has struggled to recover as the industry has become less tolerant of on-set harassment.

Richard Dreyfuss

Richard Dreyfuss issued a response in 2017 after a writer accused him of exposing himself to her in the 1980s. Dreyfuss denied the specific allegation of exposure but admitted to having been a “bad man” during that period of his life and apologized for his past behavior toward women. He stated that he had lived a life of “rebellious indulgence” and was ashamed of his previous actions. The admission added to the growing list of veteran actors facing scrutiny during the MeToo era. While he continues to work occasionally, his legacy as a star of ‘Jaws’ and ‘Close Encounters of the Third Kind’ has been complicated by these revelations.

Christian Bale

Christian Bale issued a public apology in 2009 after a recording of him screaming at a cinematographer on the set of ‘Terminator Salvation’ was leaked online. Bale called into a radio station to explain that he had acted like a “punk” and that his behavior was inexcusable. While the incident did not end his career, it became a defining moment of his public persona for years. Many fans felt the apology was necessary only because the audio had become a viral sensation. Bale has since been more private about his on-set intensity, though the “rant” remains a well-known piece of Hollywood history.

Jonah Hill

Jonah Hill apologized multiple times in 2014 after he was caught on video using a homophobic slur toward a paparazzo. The ‘Superbad’ star appeared on several talk shows to express his deep regret, stating that the word did not reflect his personal beliefs or his support for the LGBTQ+ community. While Hill’s career continued to flourish with dramatic roles, the incident resurfaced in 2023 when a former partner accused him of emotional abuse. His subsequent public statements have focused on mental health and boundaries, but the earlier controversy remains a point of criticism. The actor has since moved toward directing and producing while maintaining a lower public profile.

Casey Affleck

Casey Affleck addressed the 2010 sexual harassment lawsuits filed against him during an interview in 2018, shortly after the height of the MeToo movement. The actor, who won an Oscar for ‘Manchester by the Sea’, expressed regret for the environment on the set of his film ‘I’m Still Here’ and apologized for his role in it. Many critics felt the apology was a late response to long-standing allegations that had been largely ignored during his award season campaign. The controversy led to him bowing out of presenting at the following year’s Academy Awards. Affleck has continued to work in independent cinema, though the shadow of the lawsuits persists.

T.J. Miller

T.J. Miller faced allegations of sexual assault dating back to his college years, which surfaced in 2017 shortly after his departure from ‘Silicon Valley’. The actor denied the allegations but issued a statement alongside his wife that was criticized for being defensive and dismissive. Miller’s career was further complicated by an arrest for calling in a fake bomb threat on a train and reports of workplace bullying. His presence in mainstream films like ‘Deadpool’ was curtailed, and he has largely moved back to stand-up comedy. The apology for his general behavior was seen by many as insufficient given the gravity of the legal and personal accusations.

Charlie Sheen

Charlie Sheen made numerous public apologies following his highly publicized meltdown in 2011, which led to his firing from ‘Two and a Half Men’. Sheen later admitted that his behavior, fueled by substance abuse, was “shameful” and expressed regret for his insults toward the show’s creator. Despite his attempts at a comeback with the series ‘Anger Management’, his reputation for volatility remained a barrier. The actor’s public health disclosures and subsequent legal battles further complicated his standing in the industry. Many viewed his apologies as part of a recurring cycle of crisis and temporary contrition.

Alec Baldwin

Alec Baldwin has issued numerous apologies throughout his career for various public outbursts, including the use of homophobic slurs toward photographers. In 2013, he apologized for a confrontation that led to the cancellation of his talk show on MSNBC. More recently, Baldwin has faced intense scrutiny and legal challenges following the tragic accidental shooting on the set of ‘Rust’. While he has expressed deep grief and cooperated with authorities, the public remains divided on his level of responsibility. His history of volatile behavior has often made his apologies feel like a routine part of his media presence.

Matthew Broderick

Matthew Broderick faced renewed public scrutiny years after a 1987 car accident in Ireland that resulted in the deaths of two women. While he was convicted of careless driving and fined at the time, the actor met with the victims’ family members decades later to express his remorse. The delay in this personal outreach was a point of pain for the families involved for many years. Broderick has maintained a successful career on Broadway and in films like ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off’, but the tragedy remains a significant part of his life story. The late apology was described by the victims’ family as a necessary step toward closure.

Jonathan Majors

Jonathan Majors issued statements through his legal team expressing his innocence following his arrest for domestic dispute incidents in 2023. After being found guilty of reckless assault and harassment, the actor expressed his heartbreak over the situation in a televised interview. The conviction led to his immediate firing by Marvel Studios, where he was set to play the central villain in ‘Avengers’ sequels. While his team initially apologized for the “misunderstanding,” the legal outcome solidified the professional damage. Majors’ once-promising career in films like ‘Creed III’ currently remains in jeopardy.

Kirk Cameron

Kirk Cameron apologized in 2012 for comments he made regarding homosexuality during an interview with Piers Morgan, which were widely condemned as hateful. The former ‘Growing Pains’ star stated that his words were taken out of context but stood by his religious convictions. The apology was seen as half-hearted by many advocacy groups, leading to a further distancing from mainstream Hollywood. Cameron has since focused almost exclusively on faith-based films and projects. His transition from a teen idol to a controversial religious figure was cemented by his handling of the backlash.

Terrence Howard

Terrence Howard has faced multiple allegations of domestic violence over several decades, leading to various public apologies and explanations. The actor, known for ‘Empire’, has admitted to past physical altercations with his former partners, citing his own personal struggles and upbringing. Despite these admissions, the recurring nature of the allegations has impacted his professional reputation and lead to legal battles. Howard has frequently spoken about his desire for personal growth and his unique philosophical theories in recent years. However, the history of violence remains a major point of contention in his public legacy.

Bill Cosby

Bill Cosby’s apologies were primarily channeled through legal depositions that were made public years after the alleged crimes occurred. While he never issued a traditional public apology for his actions, the release of documents where he admitted to giving sedatives to women sparked a massive legal and social reckoning. The actor, once known as “America’s Dad,” was convicted and served time in prison before the conviction was overturned on procedural grounds. The lack of a direct, sincere apology to his many accusers remains a central theme in the coverage of his downfall. His legacy in ‘The Cosby Show’ has been largely erased from mainstream television.

Columbus Short

Columbus Short issued an apology in 2014 after a series of legal troubles and domestic violence allegations led to his exit from the hit show ‘Scandal’. The actor admitted to struggling with drug abuse and personal demons that affected his professional behavior. While he expressed a desire to return to the industry and sought treatment, his career did not return to its former heights. Short has appeared in smaller projects since his departure, but the momentum he gained from his role as Harrison Wright was lost. His apology was seen as an honest admission of a crisis that had already cost him his biggest role.

Danny Masterson

Danny Masterson maintained his innocence throughout a lengthy legal battle involving multiple allegations of forcible rape. Following his conviction and sentencing in 2023, the focus shifted to the support he received from former co-stars and his long-term silence regarding the victims. The actor was fired from ‘The Ranch’ in 2017 when the allegations first gained public traction, marking the end of his mainstream acting career. While he did not issue a traditional apology, the letters of support written on his behalf were later apologized for by his colleagues. Masterson is currently serving a sentence of 30 years to life in prison.

Stephen Collins

Stephen Collins issued a public apology in 2014 after an audio recording surfaced in which he admitted to inappropriate sexual conduct with minors years earlier. The ‘7th Heaven’ star stated that he was deeply ashamed and had undergone extensive therapy to address his behavior. The admission led to the immediate removal of his show from syndication and the end of his acting career. The apology came decades after the events and only because the recording had been leaked to the media. Collins has since remained entirely out of the public eye.

Nicholas Brendon

Nicholas Brendon has issued several apologies over the years for a series of arrests related to public intoxication, criminal mischief, and domestic disputes. The ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ actor has been open about his struggles with depression and substance abuse, often using social media to speak to his fans. Despite his efforts to seek treatment, his repeated legal issues have hindered his professional opportunities. Many fans have expressed concern, but the frequency of the incidents has made his apologies feel part of a tragic cycle. He continues to make appearances at fan conventions but has few recent acting credits.

Edward Furlong

Edward Furlong has frequently apologized for the personal struggles with addiction that derailed his promising career following ‘Terminator 2: Judgment Day’. The actor has faced multiple arrests and health crises that made him a fixture in tabloid news for years. Furlong has recently spoken about being sober and wanting to return to acting, expressing regret for the opportunities he wasted. While he had a small cameo in ‘Terminator: Dark Fate’, his status as a leading man has not been restored. His apologies are often framed around the loss of his youth to the industry and substance abuse.

Mario López

Mario Lopez apologized in 2019 for comments he made during an interview regarding parents who support their transgender children. The ‘Saved by the Bell’ star called his remarks “ignorant and insensitive” and stated that he is an ally to the LGBTQ+ community. The apology was issued quickly after the interview went viral and sparked significant backlash from fans and colleagues. While Lopez maintained his hosting positions, the incident briefly tarnished his image as a wholesome television personality. He has since been more careful in his public commentary regarding social issues.

Jeremy Piven

Jeremy Piven issued a series of denials and apologies for “any discomfort” following multiple allegations of sexual misconduct in 2017. The ‘Entourage’ star consistently denied the most serious claims but expressed regret if his past behavior had been misinterpreted. The controversy led to the cancellation of his series ‘Wisdom of the Crowd’ after only one season. Piven has since moved primarily into stand-up comedy and independent film work. Critics noted that his responses often felt more like defensive damage control than a genuine engagement with the allegations.

Kevin Hart

Kevin Hart stepped down from hosting the Oscars in 2019 after past homophobic tweets and comedy bits resurfaced. The actor initially refused to apologize, stating he had addressed the issue years prior, but eventually issued a statement expressing regret to the LGBTQ+ community. The delay in his apology and his initial defensive stance led to a protracted media controversy. While Hart remains one of the most successful comedians and actors in Hollywood, the incident is often cited as a major “cancel culture” moment. He has since discussed the situation extensively in his documentary series and interviews.

James Toback

James Toback, who has acted in several of his own films, faced accusations of sexual harassment from hundreds of women in 2017. Toback issued a blanket denial and questioned the integrity of his accusers, but later made vague statements regarding his “difficult” nature. The sheer volume of the allegations led to his immediate ostracization from the film community. While he is primarily known as a writer and director, his public persona as an industry figure was destroyed by the reports. No formal apology was ever accepted by the victims as sincere or adequate.

Paul Haggis

Paul Haggis, an Oscar-winning director and actor, was found liable in a 2022 civil suit for raping a publicist and faced additional allegations in Italy. Haggis denied the claims, but the legal judgments and public testimonies led to a massive fall from grace. His apologies, when offered for his general conduct, were viewed as insufficient in the face of the legal findings. The industry has largely severed ties with him following the verdicts. His case is often cited as an example of an industry titan whose career ended due to historical and recent misconduct.

Brett Ratner

Brett Ratner faced allegations of sexual misconduct and harassment from several actresses, including Ellen Page and Olivia Munn, in 2017. Ratner denied the allegations but stepped away from his lucrative deal with Warner Bros. shortly after the reports were published. The director and occasional actor has not worked on a major Hollywood production since the scandal broke. His lack of a direct apology to his accusers has been a point of ongoing criticism. The scandal marked the end of his significant influence in the film industry.

Chris Brown

Chris Brown has issued several public apologies following his 2009 assault of then-girlfriend Rihanna, which became a global news story. While Brown has continued to have a successful music career and occasional acting roles in films like ‘Black Snake Moan’, his public image remains defined by the incident. Subsequent legal troubles and outbursts have led critics to question the sincerity of his initial and subsequent apologies. The actor has often expressed frustration with being “canceled” for an event that happened years ago. However, public sentiment remains deeply divided regarding his redemption.

Jussie Smollett

Jussie Smollett issued statements of innocence and later expressed regret for the situation surrounding his 2019 report of a hate crime, which authorities later determined was staged. The ‘Empire’ star was convicted of filing a false police report and faced a significant legal and professional downfall. While Smollett has maintained his innocence in various interviews, he has apologized for the “unintended” distraction and pain the case caused. The controversy led to his character being removed from the show and a massive shift in public perception. His attempts to return to the industry through independent projects have met with limited success.

Gary Busey

Gary Busey apologized for his “unprofessional behavior” at a fan convention in 2022 following allegations of sexual misconduct. The veteran actor, known for his eccentric persona, was charged with several counts including sexual contact and harassment. This incident followed years of erratic public behavior that had already made him a polarizing figure in Hollywood. While he has appeared in smaller films and reality television, the legal charges added a serious layer to his reputation. His apology did not prevent the legal proceedings from moving forward.

John Cena

John Cena issued a video apology in Mandarin to Chinese fans in 2021 after he referred to Taiwan as a country during a promotional interview for ‘F9’. The actor expressed deep regret for his “mistake” and emphasized his respect for China and its people. The apology was met with heavy criticism in the United States, where it was viewed as a submissive move to protect film box office interests. This incident highlighted the tension between global marketing and political expression for modern movie stars. Cena’s reputation for being a “company man” was both solidified and criticized by the event.

Please share your thoughts on these public apologies in the comments.