Celebs Who Apologized for Old Tweets But Kept the Behavior

Social media leaves a permanent digital footprint that often comes back to haunt public figures years after they hit send. Many celebrities have faced waves of backlash when offensive jokes or aggressive rants from their past resurfaced online. While most issue carefully crafted apologies promising growth and change, some stars seem unable to break the cycle of controversy. This list explores the famous faces who asked for forgiveness for their online behavior only to find themselves in similar trouble later.

Chrissy Teigen

Chrissy Teigen built a massive platform on her unfiltered and often sharp social media presence. She faced a career crisis when old tweets surfaced that showed her directing abusive language toward a teenage Courtney Stodden. The model issued a lengthy public apology describing her past self as an insecure troll seeking attention. Teigen later found herself in new controversies involving allegations of bullying and toxic behavior behind the scenes. Critics argued her apology was performative as reports of similar private conduct continued to emerge.

Kevin Hart

Kevin Hart stepped down from hosting the Oscars after users found old tweets containing homophobic slurs and anti-gay sentiment. He initially refused to apologize but eventually expressed regret to the LGBTQ community as the controversy grew. The comedian later faced criticism for appearing to dismiss the gravity of his past words in subsequent interviews and documentaries. Hart frequently claimed he was the victim of cancel culture rather than demonstrating the evolution he promised. His defensiveness in the aftermath suggested to many that his views had not shifted significantly.

Roseanne Barr

Roseanne Barr saw the revival of her hit sitcom cancelled abruptly after she posted a racist tweet about a former Obama administration official. She initially blamed the sleep aid Ambien for her behavior and issued an apology to those she offended. Barr later retracted her regret and began offering bizarre explanations for her comments during podcast appearances. She continued to post conspiracy theories and inflammatory content that alienated her former colleagues. The comedian eventually leaned fully into the controversy rather than making amends.

Azealia Banks

Azealia Banks has a long history of using homophobic and racial slurs during online feuds with other artists. She has issued multiple apologies over the years promising to stop using derogatory language and claiming she wants to change. The rapper consistently returns to social media to launch similar attacks against new targets despite these public declarations. Her cycle of lashing out and briefly apologizing has become a defining aspect of her public persona. Fans have largely stopped expecting lasting behavioral changes from the artist.

Shane Dawson

Shane Dawson faced a massive reckoning when videos detailing his use of blackface and inappropriate jokes about minors resurfaced. The YouTuber released a somber video titled Taking Accountability where he apologized for his past offensive content. He claimed to have educated himself and promised to be a better influence on his young audience. Dawson later returned to the internet only to face new criticism for his lack of genuine change and continued association with controversial figures. His attempt to rebrand failed to convince many viewers that he had truly evolved.

Jeffree Star

Jeffree Star has apologized numerous times for racist remarks and violent language captured in old videos from his early internet career. The beauty mogul insisted that the person in those clips no longer existed and that he had grown significantly. He frequently found himself entangled in new dramas involving bullying accusations and manipulative behavior within the beauty community. Star often reverted to aggressive defensive tactics when confronted with these fresh allegations. His pattern of conflict suggested the aggressive persona was not merely a thing of the past.

Doja Cat

Doja Cat faced intense scrutiny when videos surfaced of her participating in controversial chat rooms frequented by alt-right figures. She issued a public apology denying she engaged in racist conversations but admitted she should not have been there. The singer later found herself in hot water again for openly mocking her own dedicated fanbase on social media. She lost a significant number of followers after telling them to get off their phones and get jobs. This pattern of antagonism toward her audience suggested the initial controversies were not isolated incidents.

Alec Baldwin

Alec Baldwin has a documented history of using volatile and offensive language on social media platforms. He apologized after using a homophobic slur during a heated confrontation with a photographer in New York. The actor promised to do better and advocate for the LGBTQ community moving forward. Baldwin later engaged in aggressive online arguments where he used questionable language against critics and journalists. His pattern of deleting accounts and returning to engage in conflicts remained consistent over the years.

Whoopi Goldberg

Whoopi Goldberg was suspended from her daytime talk show after claiming the Holocaust was not about race. She issued a written apology acknowledging the hurt she caused and stating she stood with the Jewish people. Goldberg later repeated similar sentiments during a newspaper interview and claimed the Holocaust was white on white violence. These comments reignited the backlash and called the sincerity of her initial apology into question. Jewish organizations expressed frustration that she seemed to unlearn the lessons she claimed to have absorbed.

DaBaby

DaBaby faced widespread condemnation after making homophobic remarks about HIV/AIDS during a music festival performance. He initially doubled down on his comments before issuing a formal apology on Instagram as festivals began dropping him from their lineups. The rapper quietly deleted the apology post from his profile just days later. He subsequently released music videos that appeared to mock his critics and the cancellation attempts. This reversal indicated to many that the apology was merely a business decision rather than a genuine expression of remorse.

Kathy Griffin

Kathy Griffin faced a federal investigation and career cancellation after posting a photo of herself holding a mask resembling a severed head of Donald Trump. She initially released a video apology where she cried and admitted she went too far. Griffin later retracted that apology and stated she no longer felt sorry for the political statement. She began selling merchandise referencing the incident and made it a central part of her comedy routine. The comedian decided that standing by her controversial action was more important than public forgiveness.

Chris Brown

Chris Brown has apologized multiple times for his history of violence and aggressive outbursts on social media. He frequently asks the public to move on from his past mistakes and focus on his artistic growth. The singer continues to engage in heated online arguments and has faced subsequent legal issues regarding his temper. Brown often uses his social media platforms to attack critics who bring up his criminal record. His inability to stay out of trouble has made his apologies ring hollow for many observers.

Ellen DeGeneres

Ellen DeGeneres built her brand on the motto of being kind to everyone. She apologized to her staff and the public after reports of a toxic workplace culture on her show surfaced. The host claimed she was unaware of the issues and promised to correct the environment immediately. DeGeneres later appeared to dismiss the severity of the complaints and joked about the situation in her stand-up comedy. Her defensiveness and eventual cancellation of the show suggested she never fully accepted responsibility for the culture she created.

Lea Michele

Lea Michele issued a statement apologizing for her past behavior after former co-stars accused her of creating a hostile work environment. She claimed she did not remember specific incidents but wanted to learn how to be better to others. Reports continued to surface about her being difficult to work with on subsequent projects. The actress largely withdrew from social media to avoid the ongoing barrage of criticism and memes about her character. Many former colleagues remained skeptical of her sudden pivot to humility.

Sharon Osbourne

Sharon Osbourne left her talk show following a heated on-air debate where she defended Piers Morgan against racism allegations. She issued an apology for her defensive behavior and claimed she did not condone racism. Osbourne later gave interviews where she retracted her contrition and claimed she was set up by the network. She continued to make bitter comments about her former co-hosts and the show in the press. Her shift from apology to accusation happened almost immediately after her departure.

Iggy Azalea

Iggy Azalea faced heavy criticism early in her career for past tweets that contained racist and homophobic stereotypes. She apologized for the old posts and dismissed them as the ignorance of her youth. The rapper continued to face accusations of appropriating Black culture and using a “blaccent” in her music. Azalea frequently engaged in Twitter wars with critics who questioned her authenticity and artistic choices. Her defensive responses often overshadowed her attempts to move past the initial controversy.

Logan Paul

Logan Paul became a pariah on the internet after filming a video in a Japanese forest that showed a suicide victim. He issued multiple apologies and promised to use his platform to spread awareness about mental health. Paul later became involved in a massive cryptocurrency controversy where fans lost millions of dollars. He initially threatened to sue the journalists who investigated the project before eventually apologizing again. His career has been a cycle of massive errors followed by attempts at reputation management.

Jake Paul

Jake Paul apologized for being a nuisance to his neighbors and for his disruptive behavior during his time as a Disney Channel star. He claimed he was maturing and wanted to focus on his boxing career and business ventures. Paul continued to engage in looting during protests and hosted massive parties during the height of the pandemic. His online persona remains built on provocation and generating negative attention for views. The influencer seemingly decided that bad publicity was more profitable than genuine behavioral correction.

Vanessa Hudgens

Vanessa Hudgens faced backlash at the start of the pandemic for an Instagram Live rant where she called deaths inevitable. She issued a written apology stating her words were insensitive and not appropriate for the situation. The actress later made comments that seemed to dismiss the concerns of those worried about the virus. She continued to post content that many fans felt was out of touch with the reality of the global crisis. Her initial apology was viewed by many as a reaction to bad press rather than true empathy.

Matt Damon

Matt Damon apologized after interrupting a black female producer to explain diversity to her during a filmmaking reality show. He stated he was sorry for the pain his comments caused and wanted to listen more in the future. The actor later landed in hot water again for admitting he only recently stopped using a homophobic slur after his daughter corrected him. This admission revealed a gap in his understanding despite his previous promises to be more aware. Damon has since tried to keep a lower profile regarding social issues.

Liam Neeson

Liam Neeson shocked the public when he shared a story about wanting to kill a random black man after a friend was assaulted. He apologized for the anecdote and insisted he was not a racist person. The actor became defensive in subsequent interviews when pressed on the racial implications of his story. He seemed frustrated that the public would not accept his explanation and move on quickly. Neeson largely avoided press tours for a period to let the controversy die down without further introspection.

Tyra Banks

Tyra Banks apologized for insensitive moments from her modeling reality show that resurfaced on TikTok. She admitted that some of the creative choices were wrong and that she would never make them today. The host later defended her harsh coaching style in interviews and claimed it was necessary for the industry. She continued to face criticism for her treatment of contestants on her other competition shows. Banks struggled to balance her apology with her belief that her tough love was justified.

James Charles

James Charles lost millions of subscribers after a mentor accused him of predatory behavior and disloyalty. He released a tearful apology video that was widely mocked before releasing a second video refuting the claims. The makeup artist later admitted to sending inappropriate messages to minors and apologized again. He returned to creating content shortly after without significantly changing his online presence. Charles continues to face scrutiny for his interactions with young fans despite his multiple apologies.

David Dobrik

David Dobrik stepped down from his company after a serious accident involving an excavator and allegations of assault within his friend group. He released two apology videos taking responsibility for the culture he cultivated and the injuries caused. The YouTuber slowly returned to vlogging and started a pizza business while lawsuits regarding the accident proceeded. Critics noted that his content style did not change drastically despite the severe consequences of his past stunts. Dobrik largely ignored further questions about the incidents once he resumed posting.

Laura Lee

Laura Lee was one of several beauty influencers who faced backlash for old racist tweets that resurfaced all at once. She posted a now-infamous video where she cried and apologized for her ignorance. Lee later made jokes about the apology video itself after it became a viral meme. She struggled to regain her footing in the industry as viewers questioned the sincerity of her tears. Her pivot to making light of the situation alienated those who were initially willing to forgive her.

Tana Mongeau

Tana Mongeau has apologized for everything from failed conventions to racist tweets and scamming accusations. She frequently releases videos promising to mature and take her business seriously. Mongeau continues to market herself as a chaotic figure who cannot stay out of trouble. Her brand relies heavily on the cycle of controversy and apology to maintain relevance. Fans have come to expect that any apology from her is simply a prelude to the next scandal.

Cardi B

Cardi B apologized for using transphobic slurs in the past and claimed she was uneducated on the terminology. She promised to be more respectful to the LGBTQ community and learn from her mistakes. The rapper continued to use aggressive language on Twitter and engage in vicious fights with other fanbases. She often deleted her account temporarily only to return and resume the same behavior. Her apologies are frequently followed by defensive rants that negate the goodwill she earned.

Hartley Sawyer

Hartley Sawyer was fired from a superhero television show after a collection of misogynistic and racist tweets were discovered. He issued a statement apologizing for the humor and claiming he had evolved into a more responsible adult. The actor seemingly vanished from the industry rather than attempting to demonstrate that growth publicly. His apology served as a final statement before a complete withdrawal from public life. He did not get the chance to repeat the behavior publicly because his career effectively ended.

Sia

Sia faced immense backlash for her portrayal of autism in her directorial debut film. She initially argued with autistic critics on Twitter before issuing a brief apology and promising to remove offensive scenes. The singer then deactivated her account but the film was released with the controversial content largely intact. She later revealed she entered rehab due to the stress of the situation. Her combative responses during the controversy left a lasting negative impression on the disability community.

Morgan Wallen

Morgan Wallen was suspended by his record label after a video surfaced of him using a racial slur outside his home. He issued a video apology asking fans not to defend him and promising to do the work to change. The singer saw his album sales skyrocket immediately after the incident and returned to touring shortly after. He has since avoided deep discussions about race and quietly reintegrated into the industry mainstream. His career suffered no long-term damage, leading critics to doubt the depth of his reflection.

Hulk Hogan

Hulk Hogan was removed from the wrestling hall of fame after a private tape leaked featuring him using racial slurs. He apologized for the language and asked for forgiveness from his fans and colleagues. The wrestler was later reinstated but continued to make comments that some found tone-deaf regarding the incident. He often portrayed himself as a victim of privacy invasion rather than focusing on the content of his words. Hogan eventually returned to television without significantly addressing the racial issues further.

Gina Rodriguez

Gina Rodriguez faced backlash for singing the N-word while rapping along to a song on her Instagram story. She issued a quick apology claiming she grew up singing the song and didn’t mean any harm. The actress had previously faced criticism for comments that were perceived as anti-Black and dismissive of other minorities. Her apology for the video did little to quell the accusations that she had a pattern of insensitivity. Rodriguez largely stepped back from social media to avoid further engaging with the criticism.

Justin Bieber

Justin Bieber apologized profusely after videos from his teenage years showed him telling a racist joke and using slurs. He claimed he was a child who did not understand the power of those words. While he has largely avoided similar racial controversies, he continued to have run-ins with the law and behavioral issues for years after. His apology for the specific racism incident was accepted by many, but his general behavior took much longer to stabilize. Bieber eventually credited religion and marriage for his actual turnaround.

50 Cent

50 Cent apologized to Megan Thee Stallion for posting memes that mocked her shooting incident. He claimed he didn’t realize the severity of the situation until later. The rapper continued to use his Instagram page to troll other celebrities and post offensive content regularly. He frequently attacks former friends and business partners with aggressive memes despite his previous mea culpa. His apology to Megan was a rare exception in a steady stream of online bullying.

Tell us which celebrity apology you found the least convincing in the comments.