Apologies Accepted

Here we go again!  Elon Musk’s AI chatbot Grok turned into a robotic Nazi in July 2025.  It claimed its new name was "MechaHitler" and went on a 16-hour spree of antisemitic hate speech.  XAI, Grok's corporate overlord and an Elon Musk company, claimed the hate-speech was due to an internal code update that encouraged the model to mirror toxic posts. XAI wanted to encourage more "free speech" and you can only have true free speech if Nazis are allowed to voice their opinions unfettered by reason or shame. After backlash and outrage from the public, XAI issued a terse, technical apology blaming deprecated code, removed the update, and promised fixes — an explanation that could be more of an engineering incident report than a sincere apology.

A chef, a micro-influencer, and the internet walk into a bar...except it wasn't a bar it was a famous chef's restaurant and the internet didn't appear until later.  Here's what happened: Chef Luke Sung is a super famous and very important chef who won some James Beard awards (good for him!).  Karla Marcotte is a "micro-influencer" who had a following of 15,000 people.  Chef Sung's restaurant, KIS Cafe, called Karla to offer her a free meal to tempt her to review their restaurant.  She accepted the invitation but when she got there Chef Sung asked her to leave because her follower count was too low.  His daughter has 600,000 followers and her meager 15,000 were all probably too poor to eat at his restaurant.  Also he though her videos were low quality and he did not want to be affiliated with her. So he canceled the collab. Karla posted her feelings on TikTok and the internet came for Chef Sung.  We should note that Karla never named the chef or the restaurant, but the internet figured it out anyway.  Karla's followers loved her sweet and charming food prep videos, they loved her foodie recommendations, they loved her thoughtful and caring cooking hacks and now they were mad at Chef Sung.  Within a few days Chef Sung was out of a job and Karla had 450,000 followers (Chef Sung might point out that 450,000 is still not 600,000!l). Chef Sung apologized.  His daughter (she of 600,000 followers) apologized.  The co-owner of the restaurant apologized.  Everyone apologized but still the Kis Cafe closed its doors and is no more. That is the power of the internet.

Dr. Christina Propst is/was a Houston pediatrician who works/worked in Houston.  She was a pediatrician for a Children's hospital in Houston, but was recently fired/quit after posting some feelings on Facebook. Why someone with multiple degrees would post feelings on Facebook is a little beyond us, but she did.  Her feelings were that if you were a MAGA voter, well you deserved the Texas flood and everything that came along with it and then lots of thoughts and prayers after.  She went to bed and woke up public enemy #1 in the Greater Houston area. Christina made an apology and we're here to review and rate it!

In this episode of Apologies Accepted, hosts Theo and Juliette take a lighthearted look at a heartwarming story from the Red River Gorge General Store in Kentucky. After accidentally walking out with a $1.99 brownie-flavored cow tail, a young boy (believed to be older than originally thought) demonstrates unexpected integrity by sending an apology letter and $3 to cover the cost. The gesture, hailed for its sincerity, goes viral, sparking a mission to thank the family personally with gifts, showcasing that integrity is ageless and impactful.

The 2025 Seattle World Science Fiction Convention will be held in August 2025.  In getting ready to produce the event, organizers used AI to vet a list of about 1,500 potential speakers. The conference wanted to ensure they would not invite anyone who might create a controversy by their attendance.  AI read through social media posts, public records, 3rd grade report cards, everything available online looking for red flags. Imagine the organisers' surprise that in trying to prevent controversy, they created an even bigger controversy!  Once word got out that AI was used to vet the list of potential speakers, people got big mad and had feelings about using robots to do human work. Kathy Bond, volunteer chairperson of the 2025 event, issued an apology amidst calls for her resignation (and a few nerds wanted to shoot her into space). WorldCon is not only a SciFi convention, it's home to the Hugo awards - for SciFi writers, their publishers, and their readers, a Hugo award is a big deal.  We dive into the WorldCon situation and visit Hugo award controversies past to discover it truly is A Brave New World (see what we did there!).

The Boston Consulting Group (BCG) is a consulting giant. The company recently apologized for the "undisclosed work" of two senior executives who were working with the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation.  BCG claimed the work was done pro-bono, but other sources claim that BCG was invoicing GHF (so many initials!) upwards of a million dollars a month.  BCG has said it will not accept any money paid to it for any work done on this project. GHF has come under criticism for not only sloppy operations that resulted in the deaths of 27 people, but close ties to former Trump advisors and the country of Israel (Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu worked for BCG in the United States prior to his political career in Israel).   In this thought-provoking discussion, Theo and Juliette analyze BCG's apology, examining the language, actions taken, and the broader implications in the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. They explore the challenges of navigating political sensitivity and the ethical responsibilities of global corporations engaged in humanitarian efforts. Tune in as they delve into the intricacies of public apologies and whether BCG's response measures up to the expectations of accountability and transparency.

Patti LuPone, Broadway star extraordinaire, known for her dynamic stage-presence and personal outspokenness, finds herself once again at the center of controversy - this time for making dismissive comments about fellow Broadway stars.  Over 500 Broadway actors and theater people signed an open letter asking that LuPone be barred from attending the Tonys (Broadway's version of Hollywood's Oscars) and from everything else - even the opening of an envelope!  Broadway is big mad at Madam LuPone.  Patti issued her first public apology, ever, and we're here to rate it and decide if she gets to continue acting or if she must be sent to summer stock (or worse, middle school musical hell).

Back when the world only had 3 TV channels (OK, and cable), late night television was the edgy cultural playground of intellectuals and night owls and people who just needed to watch something at midnight.  David Letterman was one of the top, and sometimes the top, late night host.  Known for his quick wit and dry delivery, his show was popular for decades. But David was sleeping with his staff and some employees didn't appreciate working for the boss's continual parade of girlfriends.  David's behavior made him a prime target for blackmail - and boy was he blackmailed.  Rather than give in, David had the blackmailer arrested and issued an on air apology to the viewing audience for his behavior. This happened about 10 years prior to the #MeToo movement so his career was largely untouched by the scandal, but his personal life was wrecked.  He's been on a years long journey making amends to some female staff for his behavior and we're here to tell the story and evaluate the sorry!  

Welcome to another episode of Apologies Accepted where hosts Theo and Juliette delve into the world of public apologies, examining the impactful stories behind them. In this episode, they explore the iconic photograph of Elizabeth Eckford, one of the Little Rock Nine, facing a jeering Hazel Bryan. Hazel's journey from being an emblem of racial hostility to seeking redemption and reconciliation with Elizabeth unfolds. Decades later, as Elizabeth and Hazel attempt to foster a friendship, the complexities of true forgiveness and the unresolved shadows of past traumas come to light, highlighting their very different perspectives on not only the incident but what true forgiveness means.

Nike issued an apology in April 2025 for their use of the Holocaust remembrance slogan "Never Again" in an advertising campaign for the London Marathon.  Nike had billboards along the marathon route of "often quoted" runner complaints, like "why did I do this?" and "how many more miles to go?" and "Definitely taking up yoga instead of running".  Apparently "Never again" is something Nike believed runners said a lot and so they put up the quote and congratulated themselves on a campaign well run (haha). People noticed and pointed out to Nike that using the phrase "Never again" might be a touch inconsiderate.  Nike was quick to issue an apology and we are here to rate and review it!

This week we are leaving America behind and going to Amsterdam!  Mayor Femke Halsema, Mayor of Amsterdam since 2018, offered a public apology in April 2025 for the city's capitulation to the Nazi's in World War 2. “The Amsterdam government, when it came down to it, was not heroic, not determined and not merciful. And it let its Jewish residents down terribly,” Halsema said. “On behalf of the city government, I offer my apologies for this" She issued the apology at an event marking Israel’s Holocaust Remembrance Day.  The Mayor went on to say that civil servants in Amsterdam played an active role in the murder of thousands of Jewish citizens. From a population of 80,000 citizens, only 20,000 survived the war.  Lost among the tens of thousands was Anne Frank, whose diary spoke of the horrors of the Holocaust. What parallels exist between the political situation in the US today and the political situation of Holland 80 years ago?  Is history doomed to repeat itself (or at the very least rhyme)?  Good news and bad news on that question!      

Hi Everyone!  We are back from vacation so word to the skippers, the first 30 minutes is gossip and catching up.  But if you skip you will miss all the hot news on running out of gas in Big Bend National Park and Juliette's display of bravery during a turbulent flight across the US! This week we look at Haley Joel Osment, famous as a child actor for his role in "The Sixth Sense" ("I see dead people") and a surprising amount of work as an adult actor.  He claims to have escaped the curse of the child actors, but reports of drunk and disorderly behavior, cocaine possession, and American Airlines front desk staff calling the police on him at Las Vegas International Airport might give one reason to doubt his claims of not being another tragic child actor.  Pretty much only Jodi Foster, Drew Barrymore, and the girl who played "Blossom" in the 80s (has a doctorate in neuroscience from UCLA) are known to have escaped the curse of the child actor. Haley was up at Mammoth Mountain in early April 2025 and was daytime drunk trying to get onto the ski lift without skis or a snowboard.  The police arrived and arrested him.  Haley let them know what he thought about them and how sorry they were going to be for wrongfully arresting him!  He hurled a slur used against jewish people at one of the cops and also called the same cop a Nazi.  The bodycam footage was released and so was the public apology, which we are here, finally back, to rate and review for you!

That 70's show was a 90's hit!  The stars of the show went on to other projects and continued working - a sometimes rarity for many stars of big hit TV shows.  Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis were two of the stars who not only had careers after the TV series ended, but married each other IRL.  Another star of the show was convicted to 30 years to life for sexual assault.  Ashton and Mila were asked to write character letters for their former co-star, and they did!  Then the backlash began  after their character letters supporting a a convicted rapist were made public. Their public apology brought even more backlash and then followed the conspiracy theories - P. Diddy and Sciencetology and money all pave the sideroads you will follow in this episode of Apologies Accepted! 

Parker Alexander, CEO of Tahoe Heartbeat said some things online about undocumented people - referring to their children as "illegally bred" and a harm to good decent American society. Of course this was on Facebook and quickly went viral through the Tahoe community.  Stores took Tahoe Heartbeat products off their shelves - including the Tahoe Airport. Parker didn't care, he claimed he made $10,000 in sales that day and everyone could get over themselves.  He held that stance for 5 minutes as more and more retailers canceled orders.  Suddenly he was very sorry and "loves" undocumented people - some of this best friends are undocumented!  How could everyone have misunderstood his heart - he's a good man that makes a great American product and he wants everyone's understanding (and money). Parker learned the hard way that free speech does not mean "free of consequences."

Apologies Accepted dives into the intriguing intersection of public apologies and significant historical events. This episode explores the political landscape and public reaction following a tragic mid-air collision at the Potomac River. Hosts Theo and Juliette discuss the politics behind apologies, focusing on a notable apology issued by Bakari Sellers after inappropriate timing of his comments linking the crash to staffing issues within the FAA. Amid the political analysis, the episode also covers general travel anxieties and the broader implications of such aviation incidents on public sentiment. A look at Trump's response and public discourse surrounding it offers a critical perspective on how politics can overshadow tragedies. Join us for this eye-opening discussion that questions the necessity of certain public apologies while highlighting the systemic issues that loom beneath.

In this episode of Apologies Accepted, hosts Theo and Juliette dive into the powerful sermon delivered by Bishop Mary Ann Edgar-Buddy at President Trump's inauguration. As the first woman bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, D.C., Bishop Buddy made headlines with her plea for mercy towards marginalized groups, sparking controversy and a demand for an apology from Trump. The hosts explore Bishop Buddy's unwavering commitment to justice and compassion, as she stands firm against criticism and refuses to apologize for her message of unity. They analyze the lack of apology and the implications of such a stance, giving Bishop Buddy a perfect score for her courage and conviction. Shifting gears, the episode also covers Elon Musk's tumultuous handling of Twitter, highlighting his recent admission of the platform's struggles under his ownership. The hosts discuss the broader implications of Musk's actions and the world of social media in flux. With insightful commentary and a mix of humor, Theo and Juliette provide listeners with an engaging narrative of current events, blending the serious with the light-hearted. Join them for a thought-provoking journey through apologies and accountability in today's world.

TikTok was banned for 14 hours and the nation remained standing!  But that isn't true for one Philadelphia Eagles fan who let his mouth and his anger get the better of him at a game when he called a woman the C-word (and we don't mean Christian Conservative).  For some dumb reason, even though his team was winning, he got mad at a woman sitting a few seats away for being a fan of the opposing team and used some very foul language.  He was filmed and the clip garnered 31 million views in just a few days.  He lost his job and issued a public apology. The kicker (that's an expression and a football pun - you're welcome!) is he worked at an advisory company that focused on DEI (Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion) and they pretty much are against men calling women c*nts.  He was fired and perhaps most tragic of all, banned from attending any and all events held at the Lincoln Financial Field (that's where his favorite team plays their home games). So much for sportsmanship in the 21st Century - but maybe there is a silver lining in all of this?  

Join Theo and Juliette in this thought-provoking episode of "Apologies Accepted," where they delve into the controversial public apology made by a teenage girl at a church in Hampton, Virginia. The episode explores the societal and religious implications of such shaming events and the profound impact on the individuals involved. With a mix of personal stories and passionate debate, this episode promises to challenge your views on accountability and forgiveness within religious communities. Alongside the main story, enjoy engaging banter about the hosts' personal travel stories, the shifting landscape of social media news consumption, and the continued impact of social and political figures like Anita Bryant. Stay for the laughs, stay for the learning, and be part of a sincere discussion on what it means to apologize and be forgiven in today's world.

This episode is short and sweet, just like Putin's apology for the tragic shooting of a commercial airliner over Russian airspace. The Azerbaijani airplane was shot down by Russian forces and Putin apologized for the geolocation, but not for the act.  "Sorry that it happened over Russia, wishing the families thoughts and prayers" (in Russian and no not a direct translation or even close). Our AI overlord has a more in-depth analysis of the episode, and high praise for us!   In this enlightening episode of "Apologies Accepted," Theo and Juliette delve into a range of topics, starting with their personal holiday experiences, filled with beach walks and cold-water plunges. A humorous discussion on holiday decorations leads the way to more serious matters. The hosts then shift gears to examine Russian President Vladimir Putin's apology, or lack thereof, following a devastating plane crash in Kazakhstan that resulted in 38 fatalities. They scrutinize the nuances of his apology, questioning the sincerity and responsibility (or the lack of it) conveyed in his statements. As the conversation widens, Theo and Juliette reflect on the potential political shifts waiting in 2025, voiced humorously but with a dose of reality. They end on a lighter note, albeit contemplating the ominous future with the announcement of an upcoming documentary about Melania Trump, executively produced by her. The hosts share their wary anticipation for this portrayal. Join them as they explore how public apologies echo throughout history and what they reveal about responsibility and remorse, or the absence of both.

Welcome to 'Apologies Accepted,' the podcast where we explore the complexities of public apologies through riveting historical events. In this episode, Theo and Juliette dissect the infamous Duke Lacrosse case from 2006. This scandal shook the nation with allegations of sexual assault by three Duke University students.  There was a huge media frenzy and a lot of support for the accuser, but behind the scenes the case was shaky at best.