20 Celebs Who Acted Like Jerks and Regretted It
Owning the harm you caused and saying so out loud is never easy—especially when the whole world is watching. Plenty of well-known figures have publicly acknowledged missteps, offered apologies, and laid out what they changed afterward, putting their words on the record rather than hoping the moment would pass.
Below is a straightforward look at 20 celebrities who have addressed past mistakes in public. Each entry focuses on what happened, what they said in apology, and what they did next—policy changes, donations, training, or other concrete steps meant to avoid repeating the same problems.
Will Smith
After the onstage incident at the Oscars, Will Smith issued multiple public apologies—first addressing the person he struck and then the broader audience and industry. He stated that his behavior was unacceptable, acknowledged the impact on others, and said he was committed to learning from it.
He resigned from the Academy, accepted a multi-year ban from Academy events, and described ongoing counseling and reflection. He also clarified that his team implemented stricter personal protocols around live appearances and public engagements.
Justin Bieber
Justin Bieber apologized for a series of early-career incidents, including resurfaced old videos with offensive jokes and several highly publicized run-ins that led to legal trouble. He acknowledged the behavior as wrong and said he was taking responsibility for past actions.
He stepped back from touring at times to focus on counseling and a more structured routine, and he publicly credited therapy and mentorship with helping him change his approach. He also tightened boundaries around his work schedule to reduce volatility in public settings.
Kevin Hart
Kevin Hart apologized for old posts and material that included homophobic language and stepped down from a high-profile hosting role rather than center the controversy. He stated that the words were hurtful and did not reflect his current values.
He later engaged in on-air conversations with LGBTQ hosts and advocates, explained how his perspective had shifted, and adjusted public material to avoid repeating the same harm. He also outlined an internal review process for older bits and social posts before reusing them.
James Gunn
When old social-media posts with offensive jokes resurfaced, James Gunn released a written apology that accepted responsibility and rejected the earlier attempts at “edgy” humor. He said he had changed how he communicated long before the posts resurfaced.
Following the apology and subsequent review by the studio, he was rehired to continue a major franchise project he had previously been removed from. He has since emphasized internal content checks and a more cautious approach to public commentary.
Camila Cabello
Camila Cabello apologized for historic posts that included racist language from an old account. She stated clearly that the content was unacceptable and that she was taking responsibility for it.
Afterward, she announced anti-racism education efforts for herself and her team, including formal training and partnerships with advocacy organizations. She also spoke about ongoing learning rather than treating the apology as a final step.
Lizzo
Lizzo apologized after listeners flagged an ableist slur in newly released lyrics and said she would change the wording. She reissued the track with updated lyrics and thanked fans for speaking up.
The corrected version replaced the original across major platforms, and her team added a check to flag sensitive language before release. She referenced the change as part of an internal policy to respond quickly when harm is identified.
Beyoncé
Beyoncé’s team confirmed that an ableist term in a new song would be removed after disability advocates raised concerns. She issued a brief acknowledgment and pushed an updated version to streaming services.
The revised track became the canonical release, and her music team adjusted their review process for lyrics to prevent similar issues. The incident was handled with a direct edit rather than debate over intent.
Felix “PewDiePie” Kjellberg
Felix Kjellberg apologized after using a racial slur during a livestream and, in a separate controversy, for content criticized as anti-Semitic. He stated that the language and imagery were wrong and said he would change how he worked.
He implemented stricter moderation for live content, added layers of review for uploads, and reduced “shock” material that could cross similar lines. He also outlined rules for collaborators to prevent repeat incidents.
Logan Paul
Logan Paul apologized for filming in Japan’s Aokigahara forest and for other insensitive material connected to that trip. He paused uploads and said he would contribute to suicide-prevention efforts.
He later announced donations to relevant nonprofits and introduced internal approval steps for concepts before filming. He also adopted content guidelines that restricted on-location shooting in sensitive areas.
Shia LaBeouf
Shia LaBeouf apologized after releasing a short film that mirrored the work of a comic creator without permission. He acknowledged the plagiarism publicly and removed the contested material from distribution.
Following the apology, he emphasized original work and credited collaborators more explicitly on subsequent projects. He also described reviewing his development process to ensure sources were properly cleared.
Mark Wahlberg
Mark Wahlberg has publicly addressed violent, racially motivated incidents from his youth and expressed remorse. He later filed for, and then withdrew, a pardon request, saying he did not want a legal action to burden victims.
He has discussed supporting programs that work with at-risk youth and highlighted a disciplined lifestyle as part of staying accountable. In interviews, he has stated that the victims’ perspectives remain central to how he talks about the past.
Jonah Hill
Jonah Hill apologized after he was recorded using a homophobic slur during an altercation with a paparazzo. He said the word was unacceptable and took responsibility for using it.
He met with LGBTQ advocates, stated he would not use that language again, and shifted how he engaged with paparazzi to avoid similar confrontations. He later reiterated that the apology was not a defense but an acknowledgment of harm.
Chrissy Teigen
Chrissy Teigen posted detailed public apologies after old bullying messages resurfaced from her social-media history. She wrote that she had contacted people she had targeted and was working on long-term change.
She described beginning therapy, stepping back from social media to reduce impulsive posting, and adding delays and second reads before sharing public messages. She also outlined a plan for direct outreach where appropriate.
Kendall Jenner
Kendall Jenner apologized for appearing in a soda commercial that was criticized for trivializing protest imagery. She acknowledged the backlash and said she did not intend to cause harm.
The ad was pulled, and the brand issued its own apology. Jenner’s team described a more thorough vetting process for future campaigns, including additional review of concept materials before signing on.
Ellen DeGeneres
Amid reports about workplace issues at ‘The Ellen DeGeneres Show’, Ellen DeGeneres opened a season with an on-air apology and said responsibility rested with her. She acknowledged that the work environment had not met stated standards.
The production announced changes, including leadership shifts and new HR protocols, and communicated expectations to staff. DeGeneres referenced ongoing reviews and encouraged reporting through formal channels.
Vanessa Hudgens
Vanessa Hudgens apologized after making dismissive-sounding comments about the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic during a social-media livestream. She stated that her remarks were thoughtless and that she understood why they upset people.
She followed up with a clearer statement, refocused her platforms on public-health guidance, and avoided speculative commentary about the pandemic. She also coordinated with her team to review live content practices.
Morgan Wallen
Morgan Wallen apologized after a video captured him using a racial slur. He released a longer statement asking supporters not to defend the behavior and said he would take time to reflect.
His label suspended him, radio partners removed songs from rotation for a period, and he met with community leaders while participating in counseling. He also pledged to continue learning and outlined steps to move forward under stricter professional oversight.
Miley Cyrus
Miley Cyrus apologized for remarks in a magazine interview that criticized aspects of hip-hop in a way many listeners found dismissive. She said the comments were unfair and that she respected the genre.
She used her platforms to clarify her intent, highlighted artists she supports, and moved away from broad generalizations in later interviews. Her team also adjusted media prep to avoid similar misstatements.
Tyra Banks
After clips from ‘America’s Next Top Model’ resurfaced showing harsh critiques and controversial challenges, Tyra Banks apologized to contestants and viewers who were hurt by past episodes. She acknowledged that some decisions were inappropriate.
The production team addressed certain segments in later cycles, and Banks emphasized updates to judging criteria and model guidance in subsequent projects. She also described including more voices behind the scenes to evaluate creative choices.
Matt Damon
Matt Damon apologized for comments that were criticized during discussions about sexual misconduct and, in a separate instance, for remarks made during a diversity debate connected to ‘Project Greenlight’. He said he had spoken poorly and needed to listen more.
He later emphasized support for inclusion initiatives and clarified his position in follow-up interviews. He also adjusted media prep to avoid repeating the same framing in future discussions.
Share your thoughts below—whose apology felt most constructive to you, and what other examples should we cover in a future roundup?