Brandi Carlile: Who deserves an apology from you, and for what?

The question

Who deserves an apology from you, and for what?

Originally asked

The Guardian, to a different person each week, The Q&A

A fixed Guardian Q&A prompt asked directly across respondents and years.

You answer as yourself. Nobody on FLAPSS answers as anybody else.

Recorded said elsewhere, not written here

To kids I bullied in school. I have apologised and I will continue to. To repay those things karmically, I will watch my kids’ hearts like a hawk for signs of hardening or any distortions of empathy that they might develop.

The Q&A, The Guardian, 22 November 2025 source ↗

Others on this question

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Griff Rhys Jones British actor and comedian

Sorry, I’m British and middle class, so I’ve already apologised to virtually everybody I have ever met.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 30 December 2017 source ↗

Miriam Margolyes

To my mother for disappointing her. Mummy wanted me to be a different sort of person from who I am, but one can’t change oneself.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 19 July 2025 source ↗

Rose McGowan American actress and activist

The trans community because I didn’t use the correct words, but I’ve learned from my mistake.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 8 December 2018 source ↗

Lionel Shriver American author

He knows who he is. I’ve apologised. I wish it made more difference.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 7 May 2016 source ↗

More from Brandi Carlile

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Question How would you sum yourself up in three words? Identity & self

Earnest, driven, Gemini.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 22 November 2025 source ↗

Question What lesson has mattered most in your life? Time & hindsight

Sacrifice the self and you will gain it. Serve the self and you will lose it.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 22 November 2025 source ↗

Question What period or moment in your life brought you the most joy? Time & hindsight

I’m the happiest right now. I can see that I’m in a kind of sweet spot: my parents are alive, my kids are little, my wife is hot and my body doesn’t hurt.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 22 November 2025 source ↗