The Non-Apology of Tyler, The Creator

This project analyzes the behavior and statements of the musician Tyler, The Creator as compared to contemporary understandings of the steps, requirements, and functions of a public apology. In 2009, Tyler, The Creator began his career as a solo singer songwriter, using shock value tactics to gain the attention of the public with lyrics and online comments which glorified murder, sexual assault, and kidnapping. Outcries against the themes of the comments and lyrics called for an official public apology and acknowledgement from Tyler, The Creator, however, such a statement never came to fruition. Since his problematic debut, Tyler, The Creator has yet to publicly apologize for the language which was used. Rather, Tyler, The Creator has continued to endorse his earlier works without proper acknowledgement of the harmful topics contained within the songs. As a result of Tyler, The Creator’s failure to acknowledge or demonstrate care (remorse, reparations, acceptance of blame, etc.) for the potential effects of his lyrical content and public comments, it is the conclusion of this analysis that Tyler, The Creator has yet to apologize.