Every time I read a story about a “scandal”, I wonder why the subject didn’t do this or that, which seems armchair-obvious.

It seems trivial, from the outside: you explain the context, apologise for doing something offensive, and ignore further comments from the fools who will never listen to or forgive you, because they aren’t worth a shred of your time.

But I have never experienced this situation, so I’m wondering what it is about this kind of public ridicule and vitriolic reaction that makes otherwise rational people fail to do appropriate damage control. What am I missing?

Has anyone undergone anything of the sort who is willing to explain the experience?