Business Communication and Character

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Is Dr. Dre's Apology Enough?

Straight Outta Compton

The movie "Straight Outta Compton" about hip hop has raised questions about Dr. Dre's history of domestic violence. One victim called the film "revisionist history" because it omitted incidents of abuse by members of N.W.A.

Dr. Dre did issue this statement to The New York Times:

"Twenty-five years ago I was a young man drinking too much and in over my head with no real structure in my life. However, none of this is an excuse for what I did. I've been married for 19 years and every day I'm working to be a better man for my family, seeking guidance along the way. I'm doing everything I can so I never resemble that man again."

He added, "I apologize to the women I've hurt. I deeply regret what I did and know that it has forever impacted all of our lives."

Apple, which hires Dr. Dre as a top consultant, also issued a statement:

"Dre has apologized for the mistakes he's made in the past and he's said that he's not the same person that he was 25 years ago. After working with him for a year and a half, we have every reason to believe that he has changed."

Victims and reporters have been highlighting Dr. Dre's past. And the LA Times reported that an abuse scene was in an earlier version of the movie but was cut.

The controversy doesn't seem to be affecting movie goers. Box office results show "Straight Outta Compton" leading this weekend with $26 million in sales after a $60 million opening.  

Image source.

Discussion Starters:

  • Are you convinced by Dr. Dre's apology? Is it enough?
  • Did Apple do the right thing by issuing its own apology? What are the risks?