The Recent Tide of Apologies by Famous Men Has Been ‘Awful.’ Here’s What the Men Should Have Said.

From The Washington Post:

The near-daily tide of sexual misconduct allegations against famous men has spawned a head-turning stream of apologies, acknowledgments that experts say have been generally self-serving and aimed at the public more than the victims.

The apologies have often seemed obligatory, as the men offer excuses for their behavior or cast doubt on their accusers, experts said.

“They’ve been awful,” psychologist Harriet Lerner said of the public apologies.

The attention these allegations have drawn, forcing apologies that are decades overdue — and costing a growing roster of famous men their jobs — marks a watershed moment and a major cultural shift. Certainly, when the allegations are true, any apology is better than none at all. And an apology can be especially tricky territory for the wealthy and famous who are trying to avert lawsuits or ruined careers. Even so, in nearly every case, the apologies have fallen far short, experts said.

TV talk show personality Charlie Rose is the latest to be accused of groping and unwanted sexual advances. His then 21-year-old former assistant said he used to walk around naked and call her to talk about his sexual fantasies. In a statement, Rose said he didn’t think all the allegations leveled against him by eight women were accurate but felt he “was pursuing shared feelings” and now has “a profound new respect for women and their lives.”

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