The Sound of Apology
Elton John once sang that “Sorry seems to be the hardest word.” Well, hard as it is, it’s a word he and many other global superstars have had to use at one time or another in regards to one—or some—of their songs. From lyrics that sparked outrage and regret to videos that pushed boundaries, these musicians have come out and said sorry.
Michael Jackson: “They Don’t Care About Us”
When They Don’t Care About Us faced public backlash for certain lyrics, Michael Jackson issued a formal apology in 1995, saying: “The idea that I would hurt anyone’s feelings is completely against everything I believe. I’m sorry for the hurt these words caused.” He later re-recorded the song with alternate wording to address the concerns.
Michael Jackson - They Don’t Care About Us (Brazil Version) (Official Video), Michael Jackson
Axl Rose: “One in a Million”
After criticism over offensive language in One in a Million, Axl Rose included a printed apology inside the G N’ R Lies album booklet. It read: “My apologies to those who may take offense.” The note served as a public acknowledgment of controversy surrounding the song’s lyrics and tone.
Guns N' Roses - One In A Million Live At CBGB 1987 [SBD], Dust N' Roses
Cher: “If I Could Turn Back Time”
When the If I Could Turn Back Time video—filmed aboard a U.S. Navy ship—sparked backlash for its provocative imagery, Cher said she was “sorry it upset people.” The reaction led to the video’s temporary ban from daytime MTV, though it was later reinstated after edits.
Cher - If I Could Turn Back Time (Official Video), Cher
Lorde: “Royals”
After some listeners believed Royals mocked mainstream pop stars, Lorde personally apologized to Taylor Swift, saying: “That was never my intention—I really admire her.” The exchange quickly cleared up the misunderstanding and highlighted how quickly lyrics can be misinterpreted once artists reach global fame.
Lorde - Royals (4K), Silas Oliveira ©
Elton John: “Island Girl”
Elton John has admitted he “cringes” at parts of Island Girl and “wouldn’t write that today.” He’s spoken openly about his discomfort with the song’s dated themes, calling it a product of its time. While not a formal apology, it remains a rare moment of public self-reflection from the legendary performer.
Island Girl - Elton John - Live at Wembley 1977, EltonStuff
Eminem: “Zeus”
In 2020, Eminem apologized to Rihanna in his song Zeus for a leaked 2009 verse referencing domestic violence. He rapped: “For that song that leaked, I’m sorry Ri … Regardless, it was wrong of me.” The track served as a direct public apology after the old lyric resurfaced online.
Eminem - Zeus (official video) (hd), LoveThug's
Coldplay: “Princess of China”
Following criticism that Princess of China included cultural imagery some found insensitive, Coldplay publicly acknowledged the concern. The band said: “We didn’t get it right.” They clarified that the collaboration with Rihanna was intended as a tribute to Asian cinema, not misrepresentation.
Coldplay - Princess Of China ft. Rihanna (Official Video), Coldplay
Lady Gaga: “Do What U Want”
After renewed attention on R. Kelly’s past allegations, Lady Gaga apologized for working with him on Do What U Want. She wrote: “I’m sorry for my poor judgment when I was young and for not speaking out sooner.” She later removed the song from streaming services, calling it a decision made “from the heart.”
Lady Gaga - Do What U Want (Music Video) feat. Christina Aguilera, GAGA LAND
Miley Cyrus: “We Can’t Stop” / Bangerz era
Miley Cyrus later apologized for elements of her Bangerz era, including imagery and lyrics in We Can’t Stop. She told Harper’s Bazaar: “I’m sorry for the way I appropriated culture during that time … I was young and trying to be edgy, but I know now how it came across.” Her statement marked a public turning point in her career.
Miley Cyrus - We Can't Stop (Official Video), Miley Cyrus
Paramore: “Misery Business”
Paramore publicly addressed long-standing criticism of a lyric in Misery Business. Frontwoman Hayley Williams said it was “a line I regret writing as a teenager.” The band stopped performing the song for several years, later bringing it back with added context about artistic growth.
Paramore: Misery Business [OFFICIAL VIDEO], Paramore
Lil Wayne: “Karate Chop (Remix)”
In 2013, Lil Wayne issued a formal written apology to Emmett Till’s family for a lyric referencing Till’s murder. He wrote: “I would like to take a moment to acknowledge your hurt … I will not use or reference Emmett Till … in an inappropriate manner.” The label subsequently edited the track to remove the lyric.
Lil Wayne - Karate Chop Remix, Only, HYFR, The Motto (Live), vipertime
Badshah: “Sanak”
Indian rapper Badshah apologized after Sanak used the name of a Hindu deity in an explicit lyric. He stated: “I sincerely apologize to those I may have unknowingly hurt.” The artist re-released the song with altered lyrics to address concerns.
Badshah - SANAK (Official Video) | 3:00 AM Sessions, Badshah
Beenie Man: early dancehall tracks
During the 2000s, Beenie Man issued a public apology for offensive language used in several early songs. His statement read: “Let me make this clear—I respect each and every human being, including gays and lesbian people.” The apology became part of a broader industry conversation.
Beenie Man - King Of The Dancehall, Beenie Man
Buju Banton: “Boom Bye Bye”
Buju Banton apologized for his early song Boom Bye Bye, which contained violent language. He later said he deeply regretted recording it and stood for “love and tolerance for all.” The track has since been removed from his official catalog.
Buju Banton - Boom Bye Bye Live 90s, Reggae Plena
Meghan Trainor: “Dear Future Husband”
Following complaints that Dear Future Husband promoted outdated gender stereotypes, Meghan Trainor addressed the criticism directly. She said: “I didn’t mean to offend anyone—I was just trying to be fun and playful.” She later acknowledged understanding why some listeners found parts of it problematic.
Meghan Trainor - Dear Future Husband (Official Video), Meghan Trainor
Rita Ora (with Cardi B, Charli XCX & Bebe Rexha): “Girls”
After backlash suggesting Girls misrepresented bisexual relationships, Rita Ora issued a public apology: “I’m sorry if I hurt anyone. I’ve had relationships with both men and women, and my intention was never to cause harm.” Cardi B added that her verse was “never meant to offend anyone.”
Rita Ora - Girls ft. Cardi B, Bebe Rexha & Charli XCX [Official Video], Rita Ora
Nicki Minaj: “Only”
After controversy over the animated video for Only, Nicki Minaj said: “I didn’t come up with the concept, but I take full responsibility and I’m sorry.” She emphasized that she had no intent to evoke political imagery and regretted approving visuals she hadn’t personally reviewed.
Nicki Minaj - Only ft. Drake, Lil Wayne, Chris Brown, Nicki Minaj
Justin Bieber: early songs
Justin Bieber has publicly apologized for offensive and immature lyrics from his early career. He told fans: “I didn’t know better, and I’m sorry to anyone I hurt or let down.” Over time, he has distanced himself from those songs and spoken about personal growth and accountability.
Justin Bieber - Baby ft. Ludacris, Justin Bieber
Madonna: “Like a Prayer”
When Like a Prayer provoked protests from religious organizations, Madonna offered an apology “to those whose faith was offended.” She explained that the video’s symbolism was intended as artistic expression, not disrespect. The controversy did not prevent the song from becoming a major hit.
MADONNA - LIKE A PRAYER - 4K REMASTERED 2160p UHD, Madonna Now
Snoop Dogg: early lyrics
Snoop Dogg has apologized for derogatory language used in some of his early songs. He told Sky News: “As I’ve grown, I’ve learned to respect women more … I was wrong for the things I said then.” His remarks signaled a public shift in attitude and acknowledgment of his past words.
Johnny Nunez/BET, Getty Images
You Might Also Like:
Everyone Hears These Popular Lyrics Wrong
The Most Iconic Farewell Concerts In Music History
