Use of misunderstand

[kwfine]

Dear teachers,

I am not sure whether (1) and (2) are equivalent, or only #1 is correct?
(1). When I say something that makes people misunderstand, I apologize to them.
(2). When I say something that makes people misunderstand me, I apologize to them.

Thank you.

Kitty

[Alan]

Both are grammatically possible, but it is more natural to include a direct object, as in #2.