The leader of the SAE fraternity’s racist chant spoke out Wednesday and apologized for the hurtful words and pledge a life of fighting racism. Flanked by members of the Oklahoma Black Caucus, pastors and leaders, he spoke to cameras in what appeared to be an orchestrated media circus by his PR firm.

“All the apologies in the world won’t change what I have done, so I will spend the rest of my life trying to be the person who heals and brings people of all races together,” Levi Pettit said in a press conference in Oklahoma City.

Levi Pettit met with black civic leaders and pastors prior to the staged press conference. He delivered a prepared statement to express is regret and ask for forgiveness as move forward.

“The people I met with have opened my eyes to things I wasn’t exposed to before this event,” Pettit added during a brief question and answer session, saying he hadn’t understood the hurt his words caused. “I think I knew they were wrong, but I never knew why or how they were wrong.”

He stuck to the script throughout the day, only taking on the talking points he was clearly coached through beforehand. He refused to answer any questions about where he learned the racist chant.

“I’m not here to talk about where I learned the chant or where it was taught. I’m here to apologize for what I did,” Pettit said.

Here is a bit of the clip and you tell us what you think.

Yes. He said, “after meeting with these people.” Speaking of “these people”, who are they? Why would they allow themselves to be used in this manner to be used in this manner? Could you ever see yourself standing behind someone in this situation?

Much of this speech seems forced, insensitive, ridiculous and one where young Levi doesn’t come across as sincere. He is going to live a life devoted to fighting racism? Yeah, I won’t be holding my breathe.

SOUND OFF: What do you think of the apology and the people standing behind Levi Pettit?