Do the Right Thing: Peter Cook Apologizes for Cheating on Christie Brinkley (July 25, 2006)

Okay, Club Apologia has been on summer vacation but I couldn't resist this rather insignificant piece of apologia history in light of some current goings-on.  With Mark Sanford, Eliot Spitzer, and Anthony Weiner all attempting complicated political comebacks from tawdry sex affairs, here's an example of a public figure simply apologizing and then shuffling back to life as a quasi-celebrity.  In 2006, reports emerged that Hamptons architect Peter Cook, 47, the husband of supermodel Christie Brinkley, had an affair with an 18-year old employee at Cook's firm.

Seven years ago today, Cook, through his attorney, engaged in full-on mortification strategy.  As reported here, Cook stated:  "I'm sorry.  I'm contrite.  I'm stupid.  Foolish.  No excuse.  I love my wife."  Cook's lawyer added that, if Brinkley chose divorce, "she could have whatever she wants."  It's kind of nice to remember that some people do take the route of direct responsibility.  I mean, it didn't work--Cook and Brinkley divorced two years later, the proceedings were quite contentious, and, just last year, things were very much on the low road between these two, as reported here.  So...what was my point again...?  Oh yeah, I'm on summer vacation...