Henry Rollins has issued an apology after penning a passionate rant earlier this week against those who choose to take their own lives.
On Thursday, August 21, the radio/TV host and former Black Flag frontman wrote in his weekly column for LA Weekly a diatribe titled “F**k Suicide," in which he vehemently condemned the act of taking one's life. The impetus behind the piece was, of course, the recent death of comedian Robin Williams.
Rollins knew he was rocking the boat by commenting on such a delicate subject, especially one that involves a beloved pop-culture icon like Robin Williams. “I am sure some will strongly disagree with what I’m about to say. And I also understand that his personal struggles were quite real. I can’t argue with that. But I simply cannot understand how any parent could kill themselves,” he states in his column. He continues by blasting everyone who commits suicide, referring to these individuals as “people who blew it.”
As he suspected, people did “strongly disagree” with what he said. But Rollins has never been one to worry about public perception or holding his tongue. Except in this case.
On Friday, August 22, Rollins posted an apology on his website. He claims that his column in LA Weekly unleashed a flood of letters from angry people all over the world. “The article I wrote in the LA Weekly about suicide caused a lot of hurt,” he states. “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.”
He continues, “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.”
Rollins is familiar with the confusing, painful and complex monster that is suicide. In his column, he mentions people he personally knew who chose to end their own lives, including a former roommate. “The hardest part about being around her was you knew there was nothing you could do to help,” he explained. And he acknowledged the complexity of suicide by stating, “I get it, but then again, maybe I don’t.”
In his apology, Rollins attempts to better explain the source of his frustration. He states, “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.” He continues, “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.”
And, finally, Rollins offers readers a genuine apology, stating, “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.”
In this apology, Rollins reveals that he has written a response column to be published by LA Weekly on Monday, August 25.
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