I don't know if this necessarily matters to the HN crowd, but in case it does, this[1] is why him coming out publicly with an apology for his behavior overall is a thing.
Personally, I'd say it's a good first step provided he can actually follow through with it, but I'm not holding my breath.
The link you posted is clearly showing how the internet is centered around the extremely negative. So much coverage over a couple of comments and a misinterpreted comic, while ignoring the explanations and apologies of the afflicted side.
Of course nobody mentioned the very positive things they are doing.
Personally, I'd say it's a good first step provided he can actually follow through with it, but I'm not holding my breath.
[1]http://debacle.tumblr.com/post/3041940865/the-pratfall-of-pe...