Henry Rollins Apologizes for Robin Williams Suicide Op-Ed

BY Josiah HughesPublished Aug 23, 2014

Earlier this week, Henry Rollins drew the ire of Twitter after sharing a rather insensitive article about Robin Williams's suicide. Called "Fuck Suicide," the L.A. Weekly piece saw Rollins describe those who commit suicide as "people who blew it."

Naturally, the comments have offended and upset a great deal of people. So much so, that Rollins has since apologized for the article. In a post on his website, Rollins addressed the anger and outcry from the article, and admitted that he was sorry for his actions.

Rollins said he's spent upwards of nine hours replying to angry letters. Further he's since written a follow-up piece, which will be posted on L.A. Weekly this week.

Read Henry Rollins's full apology below:

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. Henry

 

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