Category Archives: Apologies

Matt Lauer Apology Gets a B+

Matt Lauer, the 20-year host of the Today show, issued an apology today after being fired from NBC News yesterday in response to allegations of sexual harassment. The apology isn’t too bad. It includes responsibility and regret, as well as some thoughtful phrases like, “I realize the depth of the damage and the disappointment I have left behind …” […]

“Choose Your Own Public Apology”

For a light-hearted look at generic advice on how (not) to make a public apology, check this out from the New York Times.

Could an Apology Help Roy Moore’s Senate Campaign?

I usually write about public apologies, but this week I’m thinking about an apology that hasn’t happened: what if Roy Moore offered a public apology for his past transgressions? Could that save his Senate campaign? Several women have come forward in the last week to accuse Roy Moore of sexual misconduct decades ago. Judge Moore has […]

A Pretty Good Public Apology

As “the Weinstein effect” continues, a top official at National Public Radio resigned today amid allegations of sexual harassment. Here’s the apology from NPR senior vice president of news Michael Oreske: “I am deeply sorry to the people I hurt. My behavior was wrong and inexcusable, and I accept full responsibility.” One measure of a […]

A Good Apology Doesn’t Change the Subject

We learn another element of a good apology from Kevin Spacey this week: don’t change the subject. Mr. Spacey, a Hollywood actor, was accused this week by another actor, Anthony Rapp, of assaulting him when Rapp was 14. To his credit, Spacey issued an immediate response. He tweeted that he was “beyond horrified” to hear […]