As a Norwegian Olympian admits his affair on dwell TV, what these 10 celebrities REALLY meant once they publicly confessed indiscretions – in keeping with a psychologist
First there were sunset proposal snaps, then came the gender reveals and now in the age of oversharing, even the less happy occasion of an indiscretion must be followed by an Instagram post.
Dave Grohl, Jude Law and Kristen Stewart are among the stars who have addressed rumours of infidelity with a public statement, but this week Norwegian biathlete Sturla Holm Lægreid trumped them all by confessing on TV right after winning Olympic bronze.
The 28-year-old, who competed on Tuesday in the men’s 20km individual race at the Winter Olympics, revealed all to Norwegian broadcaster NRK after the medal ceremony, saying: ‘There’s someone I wanted to share this with who might not be watching today.’
He went on: ‘Six months ago, I met the love of my life and the most beautiful and kindest person in the world. And three months ago I made my biggest mistake and cheated on her.’
His unnamed ex’s reaction was not particularly promising. She told the news outlet VG that she ‘did not choose to be put in this position, and it hurts to have to be in it’.
She added that Laegreid’s infidelity was ‘hard to forgive, even after a declaration of love in front of the whole world’.
Her reaction reveals why making a highly public statement is a risky strategy – and now Dr Sasha Hall, a Senior Education and Child Psychologist, has revealed what’s really behind these outpourings of guilt.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, she said: ‘For some, this may reflect an overwhelming emotional response or a desire for transparency. For others, it may be less about repairing the private relationship and more about managing meaning in a public space.’
From Adam Levine’s lack of accountability to Tiger Wood’s long and rambling speech attempting to salvage his career, Dr Hall has revealed which A-lister really seemed to mean it when they said sorry, and who was trying to wriggle off the hook.
Sturla Holm Lægreid
Norwegian biathlete Sturla Holm Lægreid admitted to being unfaithful to his girlfriend of six months while being interviewed after his big win
The Olympian admitted to cheating on his new girlfriend quite openly and shocked sports fans the world over when he announced it during a post-performance interview.
On live TV Lægreid told viewers: ‘There’s someone I wanted to share this with who might not be watching today.
‘Six months ago, I met the love of my life and the most beautiful and kindest person in the world. And three months ago I made my biggest mistake and cheated on her.
‘I had a gold medal in my life… I only have eyes for her. I don’t know what I want to achieve by saying this… I wish I could share it with her.’
The sportsman had not yet heard from the woman in question when he appeared at a press conference and later said: ‘I am happy because maybe she has not seen it and maybe she will see it at the right time. I hope I don’t make it worse for her.’
But Dr Hall does question the athlete’s motives behind the very public apology.
She told the Daily Mail that choosing to apologise publicly rather than privately raises questions about the function of the apology.
‘For Lægreid, a public confession has allowed him to shape the narrative to emphasise his own emotional relief and the public nature shows he is more focused on self-concept and public image rather than on the partner’s experience or the longer process of rebuilding trust.’
Dave Grohl
Dave Grohl, 57, made a shocking admission on a statement on Instagram, revealing he had fathered a child outside his marriage to his wife Jordyn Blum (pictured together in January)
The musician, 57, made the shocking admission on a statement posted to Instagram where he said he was committed to raising his newborn
In September 2024, the Foo Fighters singer admitted to cheating on his wife Jordyn Blum and fathering a secret baby girl in a statement posted to Instagram.
The musician, 57, made the shocking admission on a statement posted to Instagram which read: ‘I’ve recently become the father of a new baby daughter, born outside of my marriage. I plan to be a loving and supportive parent to her.
‘I love my wife and my children, and I am doing everything I can to regain their trust and earn their forgiveness. We’re grateful for your consideration toward all the children involved, as we move forward together.’
The couple, who met in 2001 and tied the knot in 2003, share three daughters – Violet, Harper and Ophelia.
Dr Hall explained that Grohl’s apology is ‘calm, factual, and measured’ and he seems to have taken accountability for his actions
By focusing on the birth of a child outside his marriage, the psychologist reveals the singer has shifted the blame away from his indiscretion and instead focused on his parenting, crafting a public perception of him as a ‘loving and supportive parent’.
Dr Hall added that while he expresses accountability in his intentions, there is little exploration of the emotional harm caused, meaning the focus is more on stabilising the situation and projecting a sense of control rather than detailed personal remorse.
Tristan Thompson
Tristan Thompson and Khloe Kardashian’s relationship ended in 2021 following revelations that the NBA player, 34, had fathered a secret love-child (pictured together in 2018)
The basketball player confessed to an affair on Instagram, confirming he had fathered a child and apologising to his partner
Tristan Thompson and Khloe Kardashian’s on again-off again relationship finally ended in 2021 following revelations that the NBA player, 34, had fathered a secret love-child.
While dating the reality star and awaiting the birth of their second child via surrogate, Thompson also welcomed a child with personal trainer Maralee Nichols.
Following a paternity test, the basketball star confessed on Instagram, writing: ‘Today, paternity test results revealed that I fathered a child with Maralee Nichols.
‘I take full responsibility for my actions. Now that paternity has been established I look forward to amicably raising our son.
‘I sincerely apologise to everyone I’ve hurt or disappointed throughout this ordeal both publicly and privately. Khloe, you don’t deserve the heartache and humiliation my actions have caused you.
‘You don’t deserve the way I have treated you over the years. My actions certainly have not lined up with the way I view you.
‘I have the utmost respect and love for you. Regardless of what you may think. Again, I am so incredibly sorry.’
But while he might have professed to be sorry, the expert psychologist isn’t so sure.
Dr Hall told the Daily Mail that he appears to acknowledge his responsibility but does not go into detail about the personal impact on Khloé or others, so his apology lacks emotional depth.
Rather than taking accountability for his actions, he instead appears to try and shift the focus on to his parenting, emphasising the amicable raising of his son.
Jude Law
Jude Law and Sienna Miller (pictured together) ended their engagement in 2006, following revelations he had cheated on her with his children’s nanny Daisy Wright
Jude Law and Sienna Miller’s ‘whirlwind’ romance came to an end in 2006, following revelations that the Alfie star had cheated on her with his children’s nanny Daisy Wright.
When the scandal broke, the Talented Mr Ripley star issued a statement saying: ‘Following the reports, I just want to say I am deeply ashamed and upset that I’ve hurt Sienna and the people most close to us. I want to publicly apologise to Sienna and our respective families for the pain that I have caused.
‘There is no defence for my actions, which I deeply regret, and I ask that you respect our privacy at this most difficult time.’
And it seems to have done the trick with the couple re-kindling after their initial break-up in 2009 before parting ways for good in 2011.
His short and simple message shows that he wanted to retreat from the public eye to repair his relationship, says Dr Hall.
By acknowledging there is ‘no defence’ for his behaviour, he communicated clear acceptance of blame and the length of his statement suggests his main goal was to reassure those closest to him, and manage public attention, rather than to provide a detailed emotional explanation.
Tiger Woods
Tiger Woods addressed rumours of infidelity in a press conference in 2009, revealing he had cheated on his wife but vowing to work through it with her (pictured together in 2004)
The golfing pro addressed the revelations in a press conference with a 13-minute long, rambling apology to his family and business partners (pictured)
In November 2009, Tiger Woods was engulfed in scandal after it was revealed he had been unfaithful to his wife, Elin, a Swedish former model.
A few months later, the golfing pro addressed the revelations in a press conference with a 13-minute long, rambling apology to his family, including his wife and mother and his business associates.
He told them: ‘I am deeply sorry for my irresponsible and selfish behaviour I engaged in.
‘I know people want to find out how I could be so selfish and so foolish. People want to know how I could have done these things to my wife, Elin, and to my children. And while I have always tried to be a private person, there are some things I want to say.
‘Elin and I have started the process of discussing the damage caused by my behaviour. As she pointed out to me, my real apology to her will not come in the form of words. It will come from my behaviour over time. We have a lot to discuss. However, what we say to each other will remain between the two of us.’
Dr Hall told the Daily Mail that the athlete seemed ‘solemn, introspective, and restrained’ but still managed to include the impact on his work relationships.
She added: ‘By framing his apology around the questions people are asking, he addresses public curiosity while maintaining control over what details are disclosed.’
HIs apology then ultimately seems to be an attempt to salvage his career just as much as his marriage.
Kristen Stewart
Kristen Stewart cheated on her boyfriend of three years, Twilight co-star Robert Pattinson with Rupert Sanders, 41, who Stewart had met while filming Snow White And The Huntsman
The Twilight star issued a short public statement in 2012, apologising to her boyfriend of three years Robert Pattinson after snaps emerged of her affair with a film director.
The then 22-year-old had been caught kissing and hugging Rupert Sanders, 41, who Stewart met while filming Snow White And The Huntsman.
In a public apology, Stewart reconfirmed her love for her partner and confessed she was sorry for the hurt caused.
She wrote: ‘I’m deeply sorry for the hurt and embarrassment I’ve caused to those close to me and everyone this has affected. This momentary indiscretion has jeopardized the most important thing in my life, the person I love and respect the most, Rob. I love him, I love him, I’m so sorry.’
Dr Hall described the apology as ‘raw, vulnerable, and urgent,’ with an emphasis on sincere personal regret and relational accountability.
The psychologist added that the actress appears to really want to repair her relationship and make amends, conveying a clear focus on the immediate impact of her actions.
Zara McDermott
Love Island contestant Zara McDermott and her reality star boyfriend Sam Thompson called it quits after she admitted to cheating on him during a stint on The X Factor: Celebrity
In a letter shared with her 1.4 million Instagram followers, she said she had made a ‘huge mistake’ and was ‘immature and selfish’
In 2020, Love Island star Zara McDermott and her reality star boyfriend Sam Thompson called it quits after less than two years together after she admitted to cheating on him during a stint on The X Factor: Celebrity the previous year.
In the letter shared with her 1.4 million Instagram followers, she said she had made a ‘huge mistake’ and was ‘immature and selfish’.
She wrote: ‘Hey everyone, I just wanted to address the recent speculation in the media. A huge mistake I made a year ago has recently come to light and I want to face this head on. I don’t condone being unfaithful and I made a huge mistake at a time in my life where I was hugely selfish and immature.
‘I believe I have learnt so much from my mistake. I want to apologise to my Sam for everything I have put him through, for the pain, the embarrassment, the anger and the hurt. All I want to do is make this right and I think the least he deserves is me being honest with myself and all of you.’
She ended the apology with ‘I love you Sam. Forever’.
And while her public apology appeared to strike the right note, Dr Hall noted that there was still an eye on public perception with an awareness of the reaction of her fans.
By openly acknowledging public speculation, the reality star managed to frame the situation as something she wanted to address directly and salvage rather than something she was forced to confront.
Justin Timberlake
The Cry Me A River singer admitted to cheating on his wife of 14 years, Jessica Biel in 2019 after pictures emerged of him drinking and holding hands with his Palmer co-star Alisha Wainwright
Following the scandal, Timberlake took to Instagram with an apology but made it clear he had not had an affair although he had engaged in flirty exchanges
The Cry Me A River singer admitted to a ‘strong lapse in judgment’ which endangered his marriage to his wife of 14 years, Jessica Biel in 2019 after pictures emerged of him drinking and holding hands with his Palmer co-star Alisha Wainwright in a New Orleans bar.
Following the scandal, Timberlake took to Instagram with an apology, writing: ‘A few weeks ago I displayed a strong lapse in judgment – but let me be clear – nothing happened between me and my co-star.
‘I drank way too much that night and I regret my behaviour. I should have known better. This is not the example I want to set for my son. I apologize to my amazing wife and family for putting them through such an embarrassing situation, and I am focused on being the best husband and father I can be. This was not that.’
And while he claimed to regret his behaviour, Dr Hall says his apology actually shows that he believed his actions were a one-off rather than something deeper-rooted.
The psychologist did however note that he seemed committed to restoring trust and repairing his relationship with his wife, which appears to have paid off as the couple are still going strong.
Adam Levine
Adam Levine admitted to a lack of judgement after private sexts with another woman were revealed – however his wife, model Behati Prinsloo and the singer have remained together
Taking to social media in 2022, the singer sought to set the record straight and publicly apologised to his family
The Maroon 5 singer openly admitted to overstepping his marital boundaries with his supermodel wife Behati Prinsloo while she was expecting the couple’s third child.
Taking to social media in 2022, the singer sought to set the record straight and publicly apologised to his family after it emerged he had send flirty text messages to model Sumner Stroh, 23.
He wrote: ‘A lot is being said about me right now and I want to clear the air. I used poor judgment in speaking with anyone other than my wife in ANY kind of flirtatious manner. I did not have an affair, nevertheless, I crossed the line during a regrettable period of my life.
‘In certain instances it became inappropriate; I have addressed that and taken proactive steps to remedy this with my family
‘My wife and my family is all I care about in this world. To be this naïve and stupid enough to risk the only thing that truly matters to me was the greatest mistake I could ever make. I will never make it again. I take full responsibility. We will get through it. And we will get through it together.’
Dr Hall explained that the singer’s apology was emotional and reflective with a stress on his family.
She added that the repeated references to family reinforce his priorities and intentions for repair but he focuses less on exploring the impact on others’ feelings, which means the emotional accountability is expressed more through self-reflection than through direct acknowledgment of harm.
Danny Jones
Following his I’m A Celebrity Win last year, McFly’s Danny Jones was spotted kissing his co-star Maura Higgins at a Brit afterparty but he and his wife Georgia are still going strong
After the snaps emerged, the star, who has been married to Georgia Horsley for more than ten years, took to Instagram to post a statement apologising to his wife
Following his I’m A Celebrity Win last year, McFly’s Danny Jones was spotted kissing his co-star Maura Higgins.
The singer and former Love Islander were seen at the Brits afterparty where they spent the night together laughing and chatting, before locking lips in the early hours.
After the snaps emerged, the star, who has been married to Georgia Horsley for more than ten years, took to Instagram to post a statement apologising to his wife.
He wrote: ‘Hello everyone, sorry I’ve taken some time out to be with those closest to me.
‘I want to deeply apologise to my wife and family for putting them in this situation. I love them so much, and we’ll continue to deal with this privately.
‘I love you guys, thank you for your patience, understanding, and support. See you all soon, Danny.’
Dr Hall told the Daily Mail that the singer’s apology was sincere and he spoke directly to his wife rather than to his fans, showing he was serious when he said he was sorry.
She added: ‘The overall tone is intimate and controlled, prioritising relational repair and discretion.’
And it appears the couple are still going despite the public cheating and all is forgiven in the Jones household.
