Public Figures and Public Apologies

Kobe Bryant

Basketball superstar Kobe Bryant tearfully admitted on September 2, 2004, that he had consensual sex with a then-19-year-old employee of a Vail-area resort in Colorado.

Akon

In 2007, rapper Akon made a public apology for dirty dancing with an underage girl at his concert in Trinidad.

Bill Clinton

On September 11, 1998, President Bill Clinton made a public apology to the nation about this affair with former intern Monica Lewinsky.

Chris Brown

Singer Chris Brown posted a video online on July 20, 2009, apologizing to his fans about the domestic altercation that took place between him and then-girlfriend Rihanna a day before the Grammys.

Jesse Jackson

The Rev. Jesse Jackson issued an apology to then-candidate Barack Obama on July 8, 2008, for making what he called a “crude and hurtful” remark about the President. He accused Obama of “talking down to Black people” in his efforts to win the presidency.

Michael Vick

Michael Vick apologized to the NFL, fans and the Atlanta Falcons on August 28, 2007 for “using bad judgment and making bad decisions” and vowed to redeem himself after pleading guilty to a dogfighting charge.

Gov. Eliot Spitzer

On March 10, 2008 then Governor Eliot Spitzer apologized to his family and to the public following reports that he had been linked to a prostitution ring.

John Mayer

On February 9, 2010 singer John Mayer breaks down in front of his Nashville fans and apologized for using the N-word and disrespecting women in a Playboy interview.

Justin Timberlake

In 2004, musician Justin Timberlake apologized after ripping off singer Janet Jackson’s top and exposing her right breast at the end of her live Super Bowl half time performance.

Michael Richards

Seinfield star Michael Richards in 2007 made a public apology for his racial comments at a Black audience member during a live standup show in Los Angeles.

Don Imus

In 2007, radio shock jock Don Imus called the students who play for the Rutgers University women’s basketball team a bunch of “nappy-headed ho’s.” He later apologized for his harsh remarks.

David Letterman

Last year late-night host David Letterman apologized to his wife live about cheating on his show with a former staffer.

Gov. Mark Sanford

On June 25, 2009 South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford gave a detailed apology to the public about his affair with a woman in Argentina.

Hugh Grant

On ‘The Tonight Show’ 15 years ago actor Hugh Grant publicly apologized for hooking up with a prostitute.

Kanye West

Superstar Kanye West gave a sincere apologyon ‘The Jay Leno Show’ to country music singer Taylor Swift for interrupting her acceptance speech at the MTV Video Music Awards last year.