PUBLIC APOLOGY TO JOE I. BARER, FROM JASON F. BOND
To Joe I. Barer,
Twenty-three years ago, I made a serious mistake that caused you pain. I take full responsibility for what I wrote, and I’m deeply sorry.
In 2002, I sent an email that said:
“It’s my world after all, and yours too, at least if you want it badly enough.”
I now understand how dismissive and arrogant those words were. They implied ownership, superiority, and a lack of respect—and I regret writing them more than I can say.
There’s no excuse. I failed to treat you with the care, respect, and dignity you deserved.
You’ve built a remarkable track record in business—one I’ve long respected. I see now that my words may have minimized your experience and left a lasting wound. I’m truly sorry for that.
This apology isn’t about my intentions. It’s about the impact. And the truth is: I didn’t live up to the standards of decency or character that I now try to hold myself to.
If there’s anything I can do to make things right, I’m open to hearing it. I understand why you’ve been angry—and I want you to know your pain is valid and not ignored.
I can’t undo the past. But I hope this apology is a start toward healing.
Though I’ve offered apologies in the past, I know that healing doesn’t follow a schedule. I’m sharing this publicly now in hopes that clarity, humility, and time can do what past efforts could not.
And while this letter is about the harm I caused, I also want to say that I’ve chosen to forgive all that’s happened. Not because it was easy, but because I believe peace is more powerful than pain.
With respect and deep regret,
Jason F. Bond
published July 10, 2025