Rob Schneider Apologizes To Daughter Elle King For Not Being Father She Needed

Rob Schneider is apologizing to his daughter Elle King after she publicly accused him of being a bad dad ... he says he's sorry he wasn't the father she needed growing up.

The actor made a plea to Elle during an interview with Tucker Carlson ... addressing their strained relationship and wishing his daughter nothing but the best.

Rob admits he wasn't a good father when Elle was a kid -- she says he sent her to "fat camp" and forgot her birthdays -- and he's asking for her forgiveness.

Elle ripped her famous father earlier this week on the "Dumb Blonde" podcast, claiming they had a toxic relationship and saying she wants nothing to do with him.

Rob says he feels terrible for his shortcomings as a father, telling Elle he doesn't take anything she said personally. He says he just wants her to be happy, and sends love to his grandchild, Lucky .

Tucker asks Rob if it was hard not to fire back at his daughter after she ripped him in public -- Rob says it was easy because he loves Elle "completely."

Rob's hat in hand here ... it will be interesting to see how Elle receives his apology.