Where Are Celebrities Shooting These At-Home Apology Videos?

We've all seen the luxury homes most celebrities reside in, from massive penthouses to sprawling estates. But when it comes time for a public figure to address what average onlookers deem as their wrongdoing, they swiftly set the scene: They locate the most humble-looking background in their house, and let the camera roll.

The celebrity apology video's distinct look aims to make the rich and famous seem like just average people, and it's become especially noticeable as of late as more and more celebs release video mea culpas. But all the careful stage directions might be for naught. Viewers are taking to social media to make it known that they're not dumb; they can see right through the effort to come off as relatable. And they will wholeheartedly mock it online.

When Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis recently shared what was more like an explanation video—for the character letters they wrote for their That ‘70s Show costar and convicted rapist Danny Masterson—their audience immediately clocked the weathered, rustic background. Online investigators didn't have to look too hard to discover their filming location: a building exterior on their Los Angeles property, which was featured in the couple’s Architectural Digest tour circa 2021. Imagine the possible setups: Kutcher and Kunis either leaned against their guesthouse, staring out at the pool on their six-acre plot as they attempted to rebuild their image. Or, they sat on the veranda of their main farmhouse, looking out at the incredible natural landscape.

A seemingly makeup-free Drew Barrymore, on the other hand, filmed her now-deleted apologia for resuming her talk show amid the recent writers' strike in her bedroom. Located in her prewar apartment in Manhattan, the background is a bit more elevated than a plain or textured one. The walls and ceiling are covered in two different wallpapers (presumably not of the peel-and-stick variety). A macramé wall hanging surrounds a modest TV. Still, with all of the doors closed, the atmosphere whispers "It’s just you and me." Barrymore actually gave a before-and-after tour of her messy bedroom on TikTok back in March, giving fans a peek inside the opulent quarters.

Then there's Russel Brand, who recently posted a video on YouTube to dispute allegations that he had sexually assaulted several women. He appeared in a room, seen in some of his previous videos on the platform, that resembles a home office. It features shelving with random decor and plants nearby. A TV with a moving screensaver, possibly trying to resemble a window, makes you question reality.

Many viewers of the latest slew of apology videos took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to discuss the content genre background selection. Some compared the video setups to "hostages in a proof-of-life ransom video," while others centered on the design process. One person wrote, "Celebs to the designer: and yeah if you could make this room like a Sad beige you know? Like a warm apologetic tone?"

Another added, "I like to think that the panic room and the apology room are right next to each other in the mansion for convenience's sake."

Some people pointed out that Kutcher and Kunis's reclaimed wood backdrop and Barrymore's heavily wallpapered room still don't capture the low-end production quality they're after. The quiet luxury still whispers loudly, even if it's not screaming!

A few people cracked jokes about renting out their own homes. "Celebrities, my house is available for $5,000/hour if you want to look poor in your apology video," one person wrote. "Please bookmark just in case."

At this rate, the entertainment industry's award show season will include a best apology video category, and architects will start adding "apology walls" to living rooms. Perhaps celebs would be better off sticking to an off-white wall inspired by the popular Notes app apology method. That might even inspire a new Color of the Year for 2024: Apology White.

Love knowing what your favorite stars are up to? Same. Let’s keep up with them together.

Follow House Beautiful on Instagram.

You Might Also Like

• 15 Home Bar Gifts Every Cocktail Enthusiast Will Appreciate

• 32 Low Light Indoor Plants That Can Survive in the Darkest Corners of Your Home

• These Are the 50 Best Paint Colors for Your Living Room