(The Root) — 2013 has been a banner year for high-profile public displays of racism. Whether it was Paula Deen wishing for an antebellum wedding or Brad Paisley crooning about being an "Accidental Racist," the first seven months of 2013 have been full of racist missteps. But sometimes the apologies are even worse than the original sin. We've gathered the top five unconvincing apologies for racism of this year (so far). Luckily for those on our list, there are still five months left in 2013. Plenty of time for another terrible racist apology to top theirs.
1. Paula Deen
Paula Deen (Slavin Vlasiz/Getty Images)
Where do we start? She and her brother are being sued for a plethora of racist offenses in the restaurant they own. Further, Deen openly talked about wanting a slavery themed wedding. After Black Twitter served her on a platter, she went on the Today Show and cried crocodile tears. The Food Network decided not to renew Deen's contract. Takeaway lesson? Don't be a racist.
2. Brad Paisley
LL Cool J and Brad Paisley (Jerod Harris/Getty Images)
He tried, he really did, but sometimes trying isn't enough. "Accidental Racist," Paisley's duet with rapper LL Cool J, was filled with one problematic lyric after another. Paisley refused to offer an apology, tweeting, " 'Cause I wouldn't change a thing. This is a record meant to be FAR from easy listening." In fact, it is safe to say that the whole song is a non-apology. An accident, we're sure.
3. Sergio Garcia
Sergio Garcia and Tiger Woods (Getty Images)
Yes, fried chicken jokes are always racist. Garcia learned this the hard way after he told a reporter he'd invite Tiger Woods over and serve fried chicken. He issued the standard non-apology, stating that he "answered a question that was clearly made towards me as a joke with a silly remark, but in no way was the comment meant in a racist manner." Sorry, Sergio, no one was laughing.
4. Rep. Joe Heck
Lisa Heck and Rep. Joe Heck (Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Technically, the congressman did nothing wrong. It was his son who posted racist messages on social media. But after Heck's less than sincere apology, we aren't convinced that the apple fell that far from the tree in this case.
5. Lambda Theta Delta
Screenshot from the Lambda Theta Delta video (YouTube)