Levi Apologizes To The Palins, But Why?

Levi Johnston has publicly apologized for saying bad things about the Palins over the past year — so what’s behind his change of heart?

Johnston told People,

Last year, after Bristol and I broke up, I was unhappy and a little angry. Unfortunately, against my better judgment, I publicly said things about the Palins that were not completely true. I have already privately apologized to Todd and Sarah. Since my statements were public, I owe it to the Palins to publicly apologize.

As Gawker points out, Johnston tantalizingly fails to specify exactly which of his statements weren’t completely true. Was he lying about Palin wanting to quit the governorship to write a book for “triple the money?” About the “retarded baby” thing? About how the Palins don’t cook?

Whatever the case, Johnston’s apparently decided it’s time to make nice with the Palin Nation. But why now? A few ideas:

He suddenly grew up.

Last year Levi was making commercials about his nuts. Now he’s taking the high road. Maybe he just decided it’s time to be an adult and quit insulting the family of the mother of his child. Frankly, this is the least likely explanation.

He and Bristol are back together.

This is Gawker’s explanation, based on tabloid claims that the two “are definitely a couple again. And sleeping together.” I could see Bristol maybe letting those “retarded baby” comments slide, but I bet Sarah Palin would demand a full apology before letting Levi back at the dinner table. The reconciliation would be a little surprising given that Bristol just called Levi “dirty laundry.” Then again, what twenty-year-old hasn’t said bad things about an ex right before getting back together? Plausibility: medium.

He wants a political career.

Sarah Palin’s endorsement is the thing to get this year, and the Alaska gubernatorial election is coming up. Maybe Johnston wants his own chance to hold office briefly and then quit for triple the money. Or maybe he just wants to serve his country! Given that he pretty recently described his main interests as “I like to go camping and hang out with the boys, do some fishing, shoot some shit and just f*****’ chillin’ I guess,” though, this isn’t that likely.

He wants in on the reality show.

Sarah Palin’s Alaska is set to air on TLC, and as the Gosselins know, a TLC show is a sure path to tabloid covers. How could the Playgirl-posing, book-shopping Johnston resist a chance to skin grizzlies with TV’s hottest commodity? Really, this explanation is the likeliest of all.

Levi Johnston Apologizes To Palin Family For ‘Youthful Indiscretion’ [People]
Levi Johnston Apologizes To Palin Family For “Youthful Indiscretion” [CBS]
Levi Johnston Says He Lied About The Palins, Issues Apology [Gawker]