Elton John sang, “Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word.” That song was released in 1976, but nowadays, “Sorry” just rolls right off the tongues or Twitter feeds of celebrities who find themselves at odds with public opinion. Although a few odd boldfacers don’t seem to care. For example, Joan Rivers refused to apologize for a Holocaust joke she made on “E! Fashion Police” in February, and George Clooney recently told Esquire that Leonardo DiCaprio and his entourage suck at basketball and dished on a feud with Russell Crow. But the consensus is clear: Asking for forgiveness is in.

Here are some of the most recent celebrities who have found solace, redemption and sometimes a career jump-start in public contrition.