You’re right that Ampeso’s statement is mostly a defense. But we’re right to call it an apology, too. Notice that it includes the words “I apologize.”

Hmm. Does that come off as snarky?

Maybe that’s because it’s not an apology, but a defense, and maybe he really has no reason to apologize. Maybe Flordeliz was being a rude entitled asshole, and provoked him into raising his voice. I certainly can’t conclude anything from the video.

If you are going to write a column evaluating people’s apologies for meeting your high standards, you walk a fine line not to come off as sanctimonious. Some installments, like this one, don’t pull it off. Especially when you seem to find it worth your time to make snarky asides at peoples trivial misstatements. “(How much information does one need to draw unreasonable conclusions? And the video is 28 seconds, not 27.)”