‘I Apologize’: Bristol Palin’s Bar Heckler Buckles Under Negative Media Coverage (Plus: Bristol Responds)

The dust finally seems to be settling on the epic verbal battle that unraveled between Bristol Palin and heckler Stephen Hanks. Just days after Hanks got into an altercation with Palin, then reiterated his offensive comments, he is now curiously apologetic.

As you may recall, the 47-year-old attacked Sarah Palin's oldest daughter last week, calling her mother "evil" and a "whore," among other unbelievably offensive insults. You can watch the original battle unfold here:

And below, find a TMZ interview with Hanks, who, even a day after the dramatic exchange, appeared more than unrepentant:

In an official statement released to E! News by Hanks' lawyer, he has now decided to apologize for the incident. The statement reads:

"Having had an opportunity to view the camera footage of the incident this past Thursday at the Saddle Ranch Bar & Chop House in West Hollywood, and having reflected on the incident over the weekend, I have come to the conclusion that no matter what my feelings are towards Sarah Palin, I should not have expressed them towards her daughter, Bristol Palin. [...]

I am very passionate about politics, and believe in equality for all Americans. I expressed my feelings in an improper manner in the heat of the moment, and allowed my emotions to get the better of me. [...]

I apologize to them for my poor judgment that night, and to Bristol for any hurt my actions may have caused her. I wish Bristol success with her television show, and much happiness in the future."

Palin's camp also responded, with her rep telling E! News the following:

"She was approached in a confrontational and inappropriate manner when two men aggressively shouted expletives aimed at her in reference to her mother.

Bristol responded to the unprovoked verbal assault by calmly standing her ground and defending her family."

And directly, via Facebook on Tuesday, Palin also decided to address the controversy in her own words. Below, see a screen shot of her full comments regarding the matter:

So it seems the entire drama has come to an end, with Hanks accepting responsibility and apologizing. While his statement may be a few days too late in the eyes of many, it's better late than never, right?

(H/T Politico)