Michael Phelps Apologizes to China

The bong hit heard 'round the world continues to have far-reaching repercussions, as Michael Phelps has recorded the above video to the "Chinese friends" who saw him win eight Olympic gold medals in Beijing last summer.

Phelps looks into the camera and reads aloud the open letter he wrote to Chinese fans:

To my Chinese friends,

As many of you know, I recently engaged in a behavior that was regrettable and not what people have come to expect from me.

The past few days have been tough for me, but I've received support and encouragement online from so many Chinese friends.

I will learn from these mistakes, train hard, and make you proud again.

To the young people of China, please learn from this lesson. Be positive in life, and do the right things.

I've had so many great experiences in China over the past few years, and have enjoyed learning about your culture and your history.

But it's the warmth and the forgiveness in the messages I've received from China that has really lifted me over the past few days.

Thanks again for your support and encouragement. I look forward to returning to China soon.

Phelps never specifically mentions the "behavior that was regrettable," but apparently the photo of him appearing to smoke marijuana has been viewed enough in China that everyone there will know that's what he's referencing.

The New York Times reports that the video is being distributed in China by Mazda, the Japanese automaker that is trying to expand its presence in China and has signed Phelps to an endorsement deal.