Top 10 Most Memorable Celebrity Apologies

Top 10 Most Memorable Celebrity Apologies

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Sorry seems to be the hardest word. Welcome to WatchMojo.com, and today we’re counting down our picks for the Top 10 Most Memorable Celebrity Apologies.   For this list, we’re focusing on the most unforgettable and outlandish of public celebrity apologies.  

Australia IS a wonderful island? Well, of course it is. Everybody knows that. But in 2016, Johnny Depp and Amber Heard found themselves legally responsible to remind the world of this fact. After a brazen attempt to bring their Yorkshire terriers into the country, the couple felt the wrath of the country’s Agriculture Minister, who threated to “put down” the innocent pups, Pistol and Boo. This is no laughing matter on paper, of course, but as far as the bizarre video apology, well, you can almost see Johnny and Amber ready to burst out laughing.  

When a man cheats on his partner, just laughing it off as a “bad thing” is not going to work. But if you’re a young British actor known for your charming ways and comedic banter, well, that’s another story. In 1995, while dating the equally beautiful and charming Elizabeth Hurley, Hugh Grant dropped 60 bucks on a Sunset Strip hooker... In his car. What’s important, however, is his appearance on “The Tonight Show,” where the actor owned up to his transgression with his typical brand of awkward appeal. And just like that… he was forgiven through the power of cheeky charm.   

#8: Chris Brown

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Today, it’s all about personal branding for celebrities. And in February of 2009, Chris Brown’s image spiraled out of control after a physical assault on his girlfriend, Rihanna. As for the specifics, well, it was ugly. And almost five months after the incident, Chris released a 2-minute clip in which he wisely accepted responsibility, apologized and even expressed a desire to be a role model. Say what you will about Chris Brown, but in this case, he seemed to mean it. However, only time will tell if he’s truly changed his ways.  

Shortly after appearing in Martin Scorsese’s “The Wolf of Wall Street,” this comic actor turned Oscar-nominated performer found himself in the crosshairs of public opinion. While out and about in LA, Jonah Hill didn’t find the humor in a paparazzo’s views on his style. And like a grade school bully, the actor fired back with grade school insults loaded with homophobic overtones. Shortly thereafter, Hill offered up an emotional apology on “The Tonight Show,” and though it was a powerful moment, not all fans were ready to accept his plea for forgiveness.  

#6: Mel Gibson

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If we know one thing about Mel Gibson, aside from the fact that he’s a gifted director and charismatic actor, it’s that – in the past – he liked a drink every once in a while. But when you drink heavily, and choose to drive a motorized vehicle, things happen. Back in 2006, the Malibu 5-0 caught up with Mad Max, and unfortunately, the celebrity had a few things to get off his chest. Naturally, a public apology was in order, and considering the rise of social media he needed to go the extra mile. Mel covered a lot of ground in his apology, but the mostimportant topic wasn’t the drinking itself, but the words that emerged through a major tequila binge.  

In a 2013 lawsuit, this southern-born chef was accused of being a racist, and when she lost several promotional deals, Paula Deen gave the most logical response she could muster: “I am not a racist.” In her first apology video, Deen’s colorful appearance distracted from the message, and she later went on further in her public statement, even noting that she wouldn’t actually fire herself for such behavior. She admitted to using the n-word on occasion, but for some reason couldn’t see how this qualified as racism, despite its obvious racially charged weight and ugliness.  

Love him or hate him, Kobe Bryant understands the importance of modern media. And after the infamous sexual assault case in 2003, he seemed more willing to play the villain than ever before, especially after coming clean to the world, and his wife, on national TV. It’s an awkward apology, for sure, yet Kobe doesn’t smile his way through and try to glide around the main issue. However, Bryant later had to apologize publicly again, this time for using slurs in the heat of battle, and while the cameras were on.  

By 2006, Michael Richards may not have been as relevant as he once was, but did he not understand the concept of YouTube? After being heckled during a stand-up routine, Richards attempted to out-heckle the hecklers, drifting in an unscripted, racial tirade against the black audience members. Soon after, Jerry Seinfeld invited Richards to appear on the “Late Show with David Letterman,” but the studio audience didn’t seem up to speed on the situation and laughed awkwardly throughout his satellite apology. Richards has attempted to make light of the incident in later years at his own expense, but his career has never quite rebounded from it.   

Nipple clamp or no nipple clamp? It’s not a daily concern for most, but in 2004, Janet Jackson had choices to make. By the end of her Super Bowl performance, we all knew what option she went with when THE wardrobe malfunction of all wardrobe malfunctions was broadcast around the world. In her apology, Janet said all the right things. But given the theatrics of the entire performance, and the addition of Justin Timberlake, the nipple reveal seemed to be the orchestrated conclusion of the international event.    Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. -          Ariana Grande For Licking Doughnuts and Saying She Hates America   -          Reese Witherspoon For Talking Trash to the Police   -          Kristen Stewart For Cheating on Robert Pattinson   -          Christian Bale For an On-Set Meltdown   -          Steve Harvey For Crowning the Wrong Miss Universe  

In his prime, this PGA golfer was perhaps the most dominant athlete in sports. He didn’t just golf, he destroyed the competition while captivating fans on a global level. But in late November 2009, everything changed for Tiger Woods: a car accident, mistresses, and an image destroyed.  So, when he delivered the inevitable public apology, it carried the tone of a sermon – authentic but obviously scripted. But by the end of what has to be one of the most unforgettable moments in sports history, Tiger’s acknowledgment managed to convey genuine regret.   Do you agree with our list? What is your favorite celebrity apology? For more emotional Top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.