The Knight Foundation has issued an apology for paying Jonah Lehrer $20,000 to speak at its media seminar. ”Controversial speakers should have platforms, but Knight Foundation should not have put itself into a position tantamount to rewarding people who have violated the basic tenets of journalism,” reads a statement on its website. “We regret our mistake.”

It’s hilarious that they’re only now realizing that yeah, maybe this wasn’t so smart. How did it take this long? This is how we imagine the heads of Knight Foundation reacted after Lehrer’s speech ended:

Guy 1: “Hmm… This fellow sure made some puzzling choices.”

Guy 2: “Yup, that’s Jonah Lehrer, he lied his way into a job with The New Yorker, among other things.”

Guy 1: “Oh, that Jonah Lehrer. So wait, we just paid $20,000 to a dude who consciously crapped all over journalism?”

Guy 2: “Hahaha! Yeah, he’s kind of a dick.”

Guy 1: “We’re gonna need to apologize.”

[Image - Knight Foundation]