During an end-of-the year segment with comedians, Harris-Perry’s guests mocked a photo of Mitt Romney with his grandchildren (including an adopted African-American baby).
Harris-Perry responded with this video apologia.
Context:
A British Airways patron who was upset about a flight cancellation tweeted an outburst to the company which included racially degrading language. British Airways’ Twitter account, which is apparently led by a large marketing team, then retweeted the post. It read: “@British_Airways F*** you. F***** cancelling my flight! #bunchofc****”
The airline, which has more than 200,000 followers, immediately received backlash from it’s Twitter followers, and removed the post quickly thereafter. A BA spokesperson issued an apology and said the company had launched an investigation to figure out how the retweet occurred, not ruling out hacking as an option. Continue reading
Context:
The women’s lacrosse team at Duke University celebrated Halloween with a party held at coach Kerstin Kimel’s home. Some of the junior members of the team chose to wear costumes with a “Little Rascal’s” theme, and one player wore black facepaint in immitation of the character Buckwheat. A photo of the player and some of her teammates was posted online, but was swiftly removed. The coach then issued an apology statement. Continue reading
Context:
Long-time TV reporter and former Steeler’s quarterback Terry Bradshaw made a remark while commentating an NFL game between the Dophins and Colts. Miami’s runningback Reggie Bush completed an 18-yard touchdown run and during a clip of the play, Bradshaw said it was “like he was chasing that bucket of chicken the wind was blowing.” Some interpreted his comments as racist, though Bradshaw said he was making a reference to fellow broadcaster Jimmy Johnson, who loves Kentucky Fried Chicken and allegedly eats a bucket every Sunday.
Apologia:
“I can’t defend myself,” Bradshaw said. “I’ve never been in a situation like this. I don’t know how to react, except to apologize for something I didn’t know I said. I’ve been upset today. It’s not me. I’m shocked.”
“I’ve been in this business way too long and am way too smart to make that kind of slip,” he said. “I don’t want to change the way I do the show.”
Context:
Kelly Steele, aid to US Senator Maria Cantwell, apologized for a satirical tweet that mocked Republican gubernatorial candidate Rob McKenna. Steel tweeted a photo of a frowning McKenna at an Asain Pacific American Community Summit and photoshopped the words “WHY AREN’T THEY ARE SPEAKING ENLISH? #ASAINS” onto the frame. At fist, Steel identified his tweet as satirical and “fair game,” but after three days he apologized via official statement.
Apologia:
Via Twitter: “My attempt at humor was insensitive and inappropriate and I apologize sincerely to anyone I’ve offended,” Steele wrote. Continue reading
Context:
The church refused to let an interracial couple marry inside the church. Outrage ensued. Weeks later, the church posted an apology on its website and Facebook page. Continue reading
Context:
Towle posted a “stimulus package” cartoon on the Facebook page for county Republicans that included a Muslim prayer rug, KFC coupons, and cornbread mix. After initially defending the cartoon, Towle issued an apology.
Apologia:
“I realized that it was inappropriate and insensitive and I’m truly sorry for having posted it in the first place,” Towle said in a telephone interview with The Associated Press. Continue reading
Context:
On his Baptist radio show, Land made several comments about black leaders (including President Obama) exploiting the Trayvon Martin shooting for political gain. Further controversy ensued when it was found that his comments were plagiarized almost word-for-word from a Washington Times editorial. His radio show was cancelled, and he issued several apologies for his comments. Continue reading
Context:
While hosting his Fox News program, Geraldo Riviera made comments about the murder of Trayvon Martin, blaming his clothing choice that day for the violent behavior of his killer, George Zimmerman.
Riviera said:
“When you see a black or Latino youngster, particularly on the street, you walk to the other side of the street. You try to avoid that confrontation. Continue reading
Context:
A New York Papa John’s employee entered the name of a customer as “lady chinky eyes,” which then appeared on her receipt. She tweeted a picture of the receipt and said: “Hey @PapaJohns just FYI my name isn’t ‘lady chinky eyes.”
Apologia:
The manager of the store immediately tweeted back, and posted a longer apology to their Facebook page.
Via Twitter: “We are very sorry for this incident & would like to contact you to apologize.”
Via Facebook: “We were extremely concerned to learn of the receipt issue in New York. This act goes against our company values, and we’ve confirmed with the franchisee that this matter was addressed immediately and that the employee is being terminated.”
Source: http://www.ksee24.com/news/local/Papa-Johns-Apologizes-For-Racial-Slur-136906333.html
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