An apology is very acceptable, in fact, honourable.... but understanding this if something like this happens to you is be a big ask. That's like saying that Tom and his family, in spite of Tom's innocence, would think it was okay and understable that he was hammered and insulted with fingers pointing to him as the murderer of his own wife in the way he has been in social media.
..... and still, even after the police had cleared him and said he was not a suspect it did not abate much at all. That's also a negative slurr againts the police by implying they are wrong but you (the generalised rhetoric you), are right and know more than the police.
By saying that it's understandable, as I see it, it also carries the implication that with every single murder or missing case it's okay and understable, until they catch the perpriator, to, (without having all the facts at hand), accuse the closest ones, namely the spouse and or family and friends.
I don't mean this to come across as strong as it may sound but I feel quite strongly about kangaroo court, (trial by social media) mentality. Just because in many cases it does end up being someone close, it doesn't mean it does in all cases and it pays to be mindful of that as I see it.