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Henry Rollins has apologized for his controversial essay criticizing Robin Williams and other people who commit suicide.
After a wave of backlash against his remarks, the musician and commentator posted “An Apology” to his website late on Friday.
In the letter, Rollins says the angry response to his original column is “well placed.”
“That I hurt anyone by what I said, and I did hurt many, disgusts me,” he writes. “It was not at all my intent but it most certainly was the result.”
Rollins reveals that he’s had a “life of depression” and “should have known better,” but that his outrage over suicide led him to react with words for which he’s “deeply sorry.”
He’s promised a longer response on Monday, but here’s his current apology in full:
For the last 9+ hours, I have been answering letters from people from all over the world. The anger is off the scale and in my opinion, well placed.
The article I wrote in the LA Weekly about suicide caused a lot of hurt. This is perhaps one of the bigger understatements of all time. I read all the letters. Some of them were very long and the disappointment, resentment and ringing clarity was jarring.
That I hurt anyone by what I said, and I did hurt many, disgusts me. It was not at all my intent but it most certainly was the result.
I have had a life of depression. Some days are excruciating. Knowing what I know and having been through what I have, I should have known better but I obviously did not. I get so mad when I hear that someone has died this way. Not mad at them, mad at whatever got them there and that no one magically appeared to somehow save them.
I am not asking for a break from the caning, take me to the woodshed as much as you see fit. If what I said has caused you to be done with me, I get it.
I wrote something for the LA Weekly that they will post on Monday.
I wanted to get this out at this moment.
I am deeply sorry. Down to my marrow. I can’t think that means anything to you, but I am. Completely sorry. It is not of my interest to hurt anyone but I know I did. Thank you for reading this.
There was quite a bit of reaction to Rollins’ initial column.
What do you think of his apology?
