Celebrity apologies often captivate the public’s attention, whether heartfelt or entirely bizarre. While many public figures attempt to clear their name, not all apologies hit the mark. Some leave fans scratching their heads, while others generate more backlash than redemption. Let’s explore some of the most memorable and unexpected celebrity apologies that left everyone speechless.
Top 7 Celebrity Apologies You Need to Know
1. Drew Barrymore’s Tearful Apology for Restarting Her Show
Drew Barrymore made headlines with a tearful apology video after deciding to restart her TV show during the actors’ strike. The two-minute, 19-second video, shot with no makeup in her luxurious home, began with the now-infamous line, “I believe there’s nothing I can do or say in this moment to make it OK.” Her emotional attempt to justify the decision was heavily criticized on social media.
Barrymore insisted that no PR machine had influenced her choice to return to the show. However, her fans felt otherwise, suggesting that seeking outside advice may have been better.
2. Ja Rule’s Fyre Festival Disaster Apology
The chaos surrounding the 2017 Fyre Festival became an unforgettable moment in pop culture, and Ja Rule’s apology remains iconic for all the wrong reasons. Taking to the classic “Notes app apology” format, Ja Rule claimed, “My partners and I wanted to make this an amazing moment…this was NOT A SCAM.” Ironically, the event was indeed a scam.
Despite his attempt to distance himself from the fraudulent festival, Ja Rule’s apology backfired. His insistence that the situation was “NOT MY FAULT” became a punchline for the entire debacle.
3. Lena Dunham and Her Many Apologies
Lena Dunham has an undeniable talent for issuing apologies. Whether she intends to or not, her frequent missteps have kept her in a constant cycle of saying sorry. One of her most infamous apologies followed a podcast episode where she expressed regret for not having experienced an abortion, leading to intense backlash.
Dunham’s apology reflected her usual self-awareness, claiming that she had spoken from a “delusional girl persona.” While her statement was an attempt at damage control, it left many questioning her judgment.
4. Ariana Grande’s Donut-Licking Scandal
In 2015, Ariana Grande found herself in hot water after a viral video showed her licking donuts and proclaiming, “I hate Americans. I hate America.” The public’s reaction was swift, forcing Grande to make an apology on Good Morning America.
Her televised apology, however, did little to ease the backlash. Grande’s statement felt insincere as she halfheartedly reminded viewers that they should “think about what you’re about to say and do.” The scandal, though minor, haunted her career for years.
5. Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher’s Video
In 2023, Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher found themselves in the hot seat after issuing a character statement supporting their former That ’70s Show co-star Danny Masterson. Following public outrage, the couple released a video apology, but it failed to resonate with their audience.
The problem wasn’t just the content of the apology but the delivery. Their stilted, overly rehearsed reading lacked sincerity, making the apology seem more like a PR exercise than a genuine expression of regret.
6. Johnny Depp and Amber Heard’s Australian Apology
Johnny Depp and Amber Heard’s 2015 apology to the Australian government for violating quarantine laws became infamous for its strange, almost hostage-like delivery. The video, which still circulates online, feels more surreal than sincere as the Hollywood duo expressed their regret for smuggling their dogs into Australia.
Depp’s monotone reminder to respect Australian law remains one of the most awkward celebrity apologies ever recorded. Despite their best efforts, the video became a meme and overshadowed any real remorse.
7. Colleen Ballinger’s Ukulele Apology Song
One of the most bizarre celebrity apologies came from YouTuber Colleen Ballinger, known for her Miranda Sings persona. Facing allegations of inappropriate relationships with fans, Ballinger decided to address the accusations through a 10-minute ukulele song, rejecting the “toxic gossip” surrounding her.
Her musical apology was nothing short of surreal, and the video quickly went viral. Although Ballinger later admitted she regretted the performance, the damage was done. Her ukulele rendition remains one of the strangest celebrity apology attempts to date.