Mike Daisey Extends Apology to Audiences for The Agony and the Ecstasy of Steve Jobs
(© Stan Barouh)
Mike Daisey has posted on his blog an apology to audiences, fellow theater artists, journalists, and human rights advocates for his misrepresentations of the truth within his solo performance piece, The Agony and the Ecstasy of Steve Jobs.
Daisey recently came under fire after Ira Glass and This American Life broadcast a retraction in regards to Daisey’s appearance on the popular radio show, which followed upon the discovery that Daisey had lied about certain aspects of the story. As previously reported, a scheduled appearance by Daisey in Chicago — which was to have been sponsored by This American Life — has already been canceled in the wake of these revelations. In addition, The Public Theater recently issued an updated statement in regards to the controversy and Woolly Mammoth will be holding a public discussion in which they invite patrons to express their opinions on the matter on Tuesday, March 27 at 7pm. It has also just been announced that Daisey himself will will appear at this forum.
Daisey’s online apology reads in part:
“When I said onstage that I had personally experienced things I in fact did not, I failed to honor the contract I’d established with my audiences over many years and many shows. In doing so, I not only violated their trust, I also made worse art.
“This is not the place for me to try and explain my good intentions. We all know where the road paved with good intentions leads. In fact, I think it might lead to where I’m sitting right now.
[…]
“I would like to apologize to my audiences. And I would like to apologize to my colleagues in the theater, especially those who work in non-fiction and documentary fields. What you do is essential to our civic discourse. If I have made your path more difficult, or the truth of your work harder for audiences to discern, I am sorry.”
