A protestor holds a sign saying ‘Reparation for Reconciliation’ as Pope Francis arrives for a public event in Iqaluit, Nunavut on July 29, 2022, during his papal visit across Canada.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette
A good celebrity apology is rare. Lizzo recently apologised for the use of an ableist slur in her new single, which is considered one of the rare examples of a sincere apology.
Chief James Ramer of the Toronto Police Service speaks during a press conference releasing the 2020 race-based data, at police headquarters in Toronto on June 15, 2022.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/ Tijana Martin
The Toronto Police Service chief apologized to the public for the findings of an investigation that demonstrated the Toronto police’s excessive use of force on racialized residents.
Representatives from the First Nations Inuit and Metis communities, in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, after their meeting with Pope Francis, on April 1, 2022.
AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino
A papal apology, if done in ‘a good way,’ could help remove barriers to transforming harmful relationships between Indigenous Peoples and the Catholic Church.
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo faces an investigation over an alleged pattern of sexually harassing and intimidating women employees.
Brendan McDermid/Pool/AFP/via Getty Images
Men accused of sexual harassment, including New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, often refer to their accomplishments in their responses. Their power is their defense, and it blinds them to their victims’ suffering.
Cuomo deflected responsibility during his public apology.
Office of the NY Governor via AP
Cuomo used language that people forced to apologize often deploy to avoid taking responsibility and show genuine contrition. An expert on public apologies suggests three don'ts and a do.
A culture of perfectionism that begins in medical school is one reason why doctors and other medical professionals struggle to apologize for their mistakes.
(Shutterstock)
Despite protective apology legislation across Canada, many doctors and other health-care professionals remain too afraid or ashamed to apologize after medical errors.
Although financial reparation for African-Americans may be complicated to achieve, steps such as accurate acknowledgement of atrocities as well as public apologies and memorials can be enacted.
The New IRA apologized for killing investigative journalist Lyra McKee during a riot in Derry.
Reuters/Charles McQuillan
Organizations try to hide mistakes and evade responsibility, studies show. But two scholars analyzing militant and terrorist groups say they are willing to acknowledge their mistakes – sometimes.
Gov. Ralph Northam has fumbled his apology.
Reuters/ Jay Paul
Trying to figure out if Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam or other would-be penitents are sincere? A scholar who analyzed dozens of recent apologies offers a user’s guide.