"Earlier this year I told you that Niece had stolen my necklace, and that she was a terrible parent, and also that she picked her nose and farted in public. I want to say now that this is not true, she did not steal my necklace. I am sorry."

Compare

"Niece did not steal my necklace. I misplaced it myself. I am sorry for making false accusations about her, and generally being cruel to her on social media."


The former makes it really easy to reinforce the ancillary slams while ostensibly apologizing for the main event. It's the "I'm sorry I said you were a shithead and a cheesehuffing guitarfucker" principle.