I'm so sorry: famous apologies

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From Richard Nixon's comments on Watergate to Olympic gold medalist Marion Jones' confession of steroid use, the rich and famous have been filled with apologies for lapses in judgment over years.

"Harry Potter" actor Gary Oldman apologized after defending homophobic and anti-Semitic comments made by Alec Baldwin and Mel Gibson, respectively. "I am deeply remorseful that comments I recently made in the Playboy Interview were offensive to many Jewish people," Oldman wrote in an open letter to the Anti-Defamation League. "Upon reading my comments in print — I see how insensitive they may be, and how they may indeed contribute to the furtherance of a false stereotype."

"22 Jump Street" actor Jonah Hill apologized for using a gay slur against a member of the paparazzi during his appearance on "The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon" and Howard Stern's radio show.

"Happy" singer Pharrell apologized after wearing a Native American headdress on the cover on the cover of Elle magazine. ""I respect and honor every kind of race, background and culture. I am genuinely sorry," he said.

Actor Shia LaBeouf apologized after admitting he plagiarized an author's work, saying he really "f***ed up." He also hired a skywriter to write out his apology and performed a an art piece called #IAmSorry.

Actress and former "Dancing With the Stars" dancer Julianne Hough apologized in 2013 after wearing blackface as part of a Halloween costume, when she dressed as Crazy Eyes from the show "Orange is the New Black."

Celebrity chef Paula Deen released an apology video after admitting to using racial slurs in the past. She also dissolved into tears during a "Today" show interview, trying to explain she wasn't a racist despite saying in a legal deposition that she's used racial slurs in the past.

"Seinfeld" actor Michael Richards said "I'm sorry" after using the N-word to refer to an audience member during one of his stand-up routine.

Kanye West apologized to Taylor Swift after grabbing the mic from her during her acceptance speech at the MTV Music Awards to deliver his infamous "Beyonce had the best song ever" speech.

Cyclist Lance Armstrong apologized during an interview with Oprah Winfrey after admitting he lied about years of doping.

Actress Reese Witherspoon apologized after being arrested for disorderly conduct in Atlanta during a traffic stop: "I am deeply embarrassed about the things I said."

Golfer Tiger Woods apologized after having affairs with multiple women: "I knew my actions were wrong," he said. But I convinced myself that normal rules didn't apply. I never thought about who I was hurting."

Politician Sarah Palin 'accepted' late night host David Letterman's 'apology' for an inappropriate joke about Palin's daughter. Letterman also later apologized to his wife and his viewers for having an affair with a young staffer.

First, Oprah Winfrey apologized to her viewers about author James Frey in 2006. His book "A Million Little Pieces" became a bestseller thanks to Oprah, except no one seemed to know the book was partially fictitious. Oprah felt duped and challenged the author on live TV. Then, after meditation, she apologized to Frey in 2008, saying she was sorry for the way she exposed him on her show.

Olympic track star Marion Jones admitted that she had lied about using steroids.

In his resignation speech, President Nixon apologized without apologizing for Watergate.

U.S. Sen. Larry Craig apologized for his arrest in a restroom incident at a Minneapolis airport.

Actor Mel Gibson blamed a "moment of insanity" after he blurted out anti-Semitic slurs during a DUI arrrest.

Televangelist Jim Bakker , shown here with his wife, Tammy Faye, did everything but apologize after his affair with a former secretary was uncovered.

Radio host Don Imus apologized several times for his racist remark about the Rutgers women's basketball team.

The Vatican offered regrets, but not really an apology, after Pope Benedict made remarks that some Muslims thought offensive.

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"Harry Potter" actor Gary Oldman apologized after defending homophobic and anti-Semitic comments made by Alec Baldwin and Mel Gibson, respectively. "I am deeply remorseful that comments I recently made in the Playboy Interview were offensive to many Jewish people," Oldman wrote in an open letter to the Anti-Defamation League. "Upon reading my comments in print — I see how insensitive they may be, and how they may indeed contribute to the furtherance of a false stereotype."

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