The most memorable public apologies in 2024
Without a doubt, 2024 was full of controversies—from cheating allegations and problematic takes on social issues, to publicized family drama.
Issues about celebrities and other famous personalities have always affected the public—other than being used merely for chismis, these controversies have also sparked conversations and learnings they can carry outside social media.
Despite the backlash, most of the concerned personalities were not afraid to own up to their mistakes and address the issue. Here are the most memorable public apologies in 2024.
Pope Francis uses gay slur
Pope Francis made headlines in May after he used a gay slur during a private meeting with Italian bishops.
The 88-year-old pontiff reportedly used the derogatory Roman term frociaggine, which translates loosely as the offensive English words "faggots" or "poofs."
He allegedly said the word when he expressed his objection to openly gay men joining priest training colleges, quipping that there were "already too many frociaggine" in some seminaries.
Following the reports, the Vatican extended its apologies, saying the pope “never intended to offend or express himself in homophobic terms.”
“He extends his apologies to those who felt offended by the use of a term, reported by others," it added.
Cat Arambulo’s viral ‘insensitive’ video during Typhoon Carina
Social media personality Cat Arambulo-Antonio faced backlash in July for her viral TikTok video. In the short clip, Arambulo and her kids were inside a van traversing a flooded road during the onslaught of Typhoon Carina and the southwest monsoon.
"First time for the kids to experience baha here in Manila," she said in the clip, where she's also seen asking her maid if it's "safe" to bring a floatie or "try wakeboarding" in flood waters.
Social media users pointed out her insensitivity, especially since many residents in many areas of Luzon suffered from knee-to-waist-deep flooding, forcing them to evacuate or wade through the flood to buy goods.
“I deeply apologize for my insensitivity and my actions, especially during a time of crisis," the socialite said in a statement posted on her Instagram page on Saturday, July 27.
“I hear you," she added, noting that she will use this as a "learning opportunity" for herself "and to teach my kids to be more socially aware and active."
Arambulo said that time that she will be focusing on lending a helping hand to typhoon-affected communities.
"My prayers go out to everyone affected," she concluded.
Angelica Yulo addresses issue with son Carlos Yulo
Angelica Yulo, mother of two-time Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo, found herself embroiled in controversy due to her previous public statements regarding her son and his girlfriend, Chloe San Jose.
In her interview with Bombo Radyo, Angelica talked about her misunderstandings with his estranged son, specifically the alleged mishandling of Carlos’ prize money in the past and how she’s not ok with Chloe, whom she labeled as a “red flag.”
Shortly after, Carlos addressed the situation, revealing that his mother had previously drained his winnings by accessing his bank accounts. He also acknowledged that his strained relationship with his mother stemmed from his relationship with Chloe.
As a response, Angelica held a press conference to apologize to him in hopes of their reconciliation.
"Walang ibang hangad ang isang ina kung hindi ang ikabubuti ng kaniyang anak at sa bawat miyembro ng pamilya," she said, adding that she only had pure intentions. "Sa paraan nang marahas at maingay, sana'y maunawaan mo na ang intensiyon ko ay malinis. Ako'y isang inang nasaktan dahil ang mabait na anak na pinalaki ko nang maayos at mabuting tao ay hindi na nakikinig sa mga paggabay ng magulang."
"Bukas ang aming pintuan sa tahanan, may pera ka o wala, kung nanaisin mong bumalik sa amin," she continued.
If ever she and Carlos won't be able to patch things up, Angelica is at least hoping for mutual respect and understanding in the name of their family.
Suga’s DUI incident
In August, Suga of BTS was found by the local authorities lying on the ground in Seoul's Yongsan neighborhood after he fell from his electric scooter. Authorities have also found him with a blood alcohol level well over the legal limit.
He was questioned at the Yongsan Police Station about violating the Road Traffic Act. His license was revoked and was fined 15 million won ($11,500 or over P593,000) by the court.
Both Suga and his label, Big Hit Music immediately apologized for the incident.
“We apologize for the disappointment caused by our artist’s inappropriate behavior,” the agency said, assuring that no one was hurt, and no property was damaged.
For his part, the K-pop idol, whose real name is Min Yoon-gi, explained that he was going home using his electric kick scooter after drinking at a particular dinner meeting. He assumed that the distance was short and that he didn't know riding an electric scooter while under the influence of alcohol is prohibited.
He apologized to his fans who were hurt by his “careless and wrong actions.”
“I forgot my responsibility to repay the love I’ve received up until now by behaving in a manner fitting of that love, and I made a grave mistake,” he said in his second apology letter, as translated by K-media outlet Soompi.
“I will accept not only the disciplinary measures that will be decided [by the authorities] in the future but also any criticism or rebuke,” he added.
NBI and BI agents’ ‘friendly’ selfie with Alice Guo
Agents from the National Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Immigration faced criticism after posing for a "friendly" selfie while escorting deported Chinese national Alice Guo in September. Social media users pointed out the photo's informal tone, suggesting a casual outing rather than an official escort
The following day, NBI director Jaime Santiago apologized for the photo, saying their joy with their successful operation had been simply “misconstrued.”
“Alam niyo sa akin natural human reaction ‘yung nagtagumpay ka, masaya ka e. Pero inuulit ko po, hindi po ako sumasayang-ayos sa ganon,” he said, referring to the viral selfie.
“Kailangan maintain your professionalism at seryoso ka lang dapat,” he continued. Santiago added that they would conduct a debriefing with the personnel to prevent such incidents from happening again.
“Humihingi po ako ng paumanhin sa ating mamamayan; Na-misconstrue lang po 'yung kasiyahan namin na tagumpay tayo at tapos na ang aming paghihirap,” Santiago said.
On the other hand, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. downplayed the backlash of the viral photos, saying that it’s simply a “part of the new culture.”
“They just had a selfie. I don’t think there’s much more to it than that. Nagpa-selfie sila."
Indonesian authorities arrested Guo in Tangerang City in Banten province on Sept. 4. She was turned over to Philippine officials on Sept. 5 and finally brought back to the country in the early morning of Sept. 6.
The dismissed mayor allegedly left the Philippines as early as July after the Senate had ordered her arrest after she skipped hearings on the illegal POGO operations.
Balay Dako barred an Aspin from entry
In September, popular Tagaytay City restaurant Balay Dako went viral after it refused entry to a customer and her aspin dog, Yoda.
The restaurant’s staff told guest Lara Antonio that the management only allows medium-sized dogs. Her dog weighs 18 kg. Things escalated when she talked to the manager, who later said that the only "dogs allowed are 'shih tzus, labradors...'" and the like. As Antonio pointed out, labradors weigh 25 kg and above.
After the backlash, Balay Dako apologized in a statement, assuring the public that it is reviewing its policy.
“As a company that loves animals, we understand the importance of accommodating pets. However, we must also consider factors such as spacing and the safety of all our guests. We are currently reviewing our policy to ensure it is clear, fair, and balances the needs of both pet owners and non-pet owners," its statement read, adding that it is taking steps to ensure its staff is better trained and guided to understand and implement its policies.
Lola Nena’s co-founder ‘working lunch’ issue
Steffi Santana, the co-founder and COO of popular merienda chain Lola Nena’s, went viral in September after uploading a video of her routine as a boss, which included a “working lunch” period with her employees.
"Nandito kami to game plan," Santana continued. "Siyempre, 'yung lunch, hindi lang 'yan break," Santana noted.
"Isa pa 'yung chance to clarify and remind ourselves, 'Ano ba 'yung main goal natin?' and 'Paano ba natin make-keep 'yung sarili natin accountable to those main goals?'" she added.
The video was mostly frowned upon by social media users, with others questioning why the lunch break became an extension of work.
Following the backlash, Santana apologized for the video, admitting she was “careless and irresponsible with [her] words and actions.”
“Hindi po ito ang intension ko. Ako po mismo, galit din kapag may unfair o naaargabyado. I'm sorry for posting it without context," she continued.
She clarified that the colleagues she were with on the video were "an executive, a department head, and other members of higher management."
Regardless of roles, however, she acknowledged that it's still important to have healthy work-life boundaries.
"Breaks are so important-kailangan natin lahat ng oras mag-unplug, makakain, at magpahinga. We keep on preaching in our trainings that we value love, care, and respect but with the video—I didn't show that. I failed to show that, and I am sorry," Santana said.
Jen Barangan’s phone camera flash during Olivia Rodrigo’s concert
Content creator Jen Barangan drew flak for using her phone’s camera flash while filming herself singing during Olivia Rodrigo’s concert at the Philippine Arena on Oct. 5.
In her now-unavailable video, Barangan was seen loudly singing to Rodrigo’s The Grudge for about 50 seconds, which received mixed reactions. Others pointed out her lack of “concert etiquette” as it may have brought inconvenience to audience members behind her, saying the flash may be painful to someone’s eyes which will refrain them from enjoying the concert.
Meanwhile, some said that Barangan was simply enjoying the moment.
Days later, Barangan addressed the issue with a brief statement.
“To everyone, I'm so sorry for my actions. Best, Jen," Barangan wrote.
Julie Anne San Jose’s Dancing Queen performance in church
Singer-actress Julie Anne San Jose received backlash following her appearance at the "Heavenly Harmony Concert, Harana Para Kay Maria," a benefit concert for the construction of Nuestra Señora del Pilar Shrine last Oct. 6.
During the event, she performed songs like ABBA's Dancing Queen and Lady Gaga's The Edge of Glory in front of the church’s altar, which the social media users pointed out as “inappropriate.” Others also pointed out the revealing gown she wore during the event, with some users calling it "sacrilegious" and "blasphemous."
San Jose apologized for the incident. “I am offering my apologies. Even though my only intentions were to share joy and to give support to the church through the benefit concert, many have felt offended about the incident I was in and with my performance which caused distress," San Jose wrote.
"This is a lesson learned and it is assured that it will not be repeated."
The actress went on to say that her beliefs and faith are "unbreakable" and "cannot be shaken" amidst the controversy.
Her agency, Sparkle GMA Artist Center also took accountability for her performance, while also explaining that the artist "only fulfilled her duties and commitment as a true professional."
The parish priest also owned up to the slip-up and expressed his apologies to the church’s devotees and San Jose.
Jung Woo Sung’s Baby Scandal
51-year-old Korean actor Jung Woo Sung made headlines in late November when he confirmed that he is the father of model Moon Ga-bi's child. This followed a Dispatch report that his agency subsequently confirmed.
During the Blue Dragon Film Awards, Jung took the opportunity to personally address the issue and to apologize for the “disappointment” he had caused.
"I stand here today, alongside everyone involved in film 12.12: The Day, hoping that my personal matters will not leave a stain on the film," Jung said.
"I also want to sincerely apologize for disappointing everyone who has shown me love and support. I will accept all the criticism and carry it with me. As a father, I will take full responsibility for my son until the very end,” he added.
According to reports, the two first met at a gathering in 2022 and "kept in touch" afterward. The following year, Moon discovered she was pregnant.
Reports also said that despite Jung's assurances to Moon that he would shoulder the responsibility of raising their kid, the two "never developed a serious romantic relationship or planned to marry."
South Korean president martial law declaration
South Korea went into disarray on Dec. 3 when now-impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law to eliminate "shameless pro-North Korean anti-state forces" and restore order.
The martial law command issued a six-point proclamation that bans “all political activities, assembly, and rallies and requires all news media and publishing to be under the control of the command,” per the Reuters report.
Just six hours later, the main opposition party rushed to the parliament building despite the security forces to vote for the lifting of the declaration.
The following day, Yoon lifted the order and apologized to the public. "I am sincerely sorry and apologize to the people who must have been very surprised," Yoon said in a televised public address, adding that his decision was made out of “desperation.” He also assured that there would be no second declaration of martial law.
"I will not avoid legal and political responsibility related to this martial law declaration," he continued, adding he will let his People Power Party take steps to stabilize the political situation and decide on the issue of his term.
Maris Racal and Anthony Jennings’ cheating controversy
One of the biggest controversies this year was the cheating controversy of on-screen love team Maris Racal and Anthony Jennings.
Jam Villanueva, Jennings' partner for almost seven years, posted the private text exchanges between the onscreen partners, which showed that the two had an intimate affair while they were still in a relationship. She also posted photos of the two seemingly getting cozy during their work trips together.
Days after, Maris aired her side of the story, admitting that in June 2024, she was "lonely" and was getting "the kind of attention that I needed," from her co-star. At that time, she just broke up with her ex-boyfriend Rico Blanco.
"When I sensed that there was this brewing attraction between Anthony and I, nadala ako sa emotions ko and I knew that was wrong," she told ABS-CBN News.
She also said that during her brewing romance with Jenning, the latter kept assuring her that he was single.
Racal noted she understands Villanueva's pain, after all. "I get her pain. I get her wrath. I get her anger. Kaya pala ganun, because she was clueless about everything, I was clueless about everything."
The local star said she reached out to Villanueva last November as she "wanted to know what's up," but didn't get a reply.
Jennings announced that he and Villanueva have called it quits in the same month, saying it was due to "personal reasons." At the time, he also noted that he and Racal were "just friends."
For his part, Anthony also expressed his apologies in a brief video statement.
“Sa lahat ho ng mga nangyari noong nakaraang araw, sa lahat ho ng nasaktan ko, especially po si Maris saka si Jam, humihingi ho ako ng tawad sa dalawang babae, and sa lahat po ng mga nadamay doon. 'Yon lamang po, sorry po ulit,” he said.
