public apology
Formal admission broadcast
A public apology is a formal acknowledgment of wrongdoing made openly rather than privately, typically by a public figure, corporation, or institution addressing those harmed and the broader public.
Public apologies often follow scandals, offensive remarks, or institutional failures: The senator issued a public apology for his comments.
They range from genuine contrition to carefully worded damage control, and audiences often debate their sincerity.
- sorryExpressing regret or apology
- remorseGuilt for wrongdoing
- confessionAdmission of wrongdoing
- forgivenessReleasing resentment toward offenders
- accountabilityObligation for one's actions
scandal · press conference · resignation · statement · regret · shame · damage limitation · sincere · crocodile tears · tearful · podium · microphone · reputation · admission · mistake · wrongdoing · redemption · humiliation
- apologiessorry, forgive me, my mistake, mea culpa, I am sorry
- reputationreputation, reputable, bad reputation, repute, disreputable
- historical justicetrial by combat, truth commissions, trial by ordeal, trial by fire, reparations
- shame symbolsscarlet letter, dunce cap, pillory, stockade, yellow star
- retractionscorrection notice
- backlashbacklash, blowback, outcry, outrage, pushback
public apologydoubling down
Strengthening a risky commitment
non-apology · counterattack · justification · excuse-making · victim-blaming
public apologycover-up
Hiding wrongdoing from public
stonewalling · denial · silence · no comment · gaslighting
public, apology, publicly, publics, publication, publish, publisher, publishing, publicize