Henry Rollins apologises for newspaper column attacking Robin Williams’ suicide

Veteran rocker admits he deserves 'a caning' for LA Weekly column

Henry Rollins has apologised for his column in this week’s LA Weekly, in which he criticised Robin Williams for committing suicide.

The former Black Flag singer had said of Williams’ death: “I simply cannot understand how any parent could kill themselves,” adding: “How in the hell could you possibly do that to your children?” He also claimed that, whenever someone commits suicide, he no longer takes them or their work seriously.

Responding to the criticism of his column, Rollins admitted that he was wrong. Writing on his website, Rollins said: “The article caused a lot of hurt…I am not asking for a break from the caning: take me to the woodshed as much as you see fit.” He added that he understood if any fans no longer respected him, saying: “If what I said has caused you to be done with me, I get it.”

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The full text of Rollins’ apology is below. In it, he said that he too suffers from depression. He wrote: “Knowing what I know and having been through what I have, I should have known better but I obviously did not.”

Since the 2000s, Rollins has concentrated on spoken word tours and presenting radio shows, rather than music. His last album was ‘A Nicer Shade Of Red’ in 2002.

Henry Rollins’ full apology:
“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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