Nicole Richie is trying to backpedal and put a spin on that flip and illiterate Memorial Day invite she emailed to pals by having her mouthpiece release this statement:

This invitation was sent via email to her friends who understand that she was responding in a joking manner to the constant untruths printed about her in the media. Her reference to Memorial Day was in no way meant to offend anyone but was simply an expression of her distaste for the current situation.

We’re so sure. Incidentally, it was at that party that Mischa Barton was taken ill got drug sick and had to be hospitalized. And speaking of backpedaling, it was also the party after which DUI offender Richie, while operating her boyfriend’s BMW (is Joel Madden insane?), backed into a Honda convertible at a gas station at the corner of LaCienega and Holloway Drive. Witnesses saw a “mortified” Richie “hug it out” with the Honda owner. Because hugging it out at the scene is way better cheaper than hashing it out with the insurance companies. (Stuff)