Hollywood Split Over Mel Gibson's Future
Jul 30, 4:49 PM EST
A stunned Hollywood debated the future of one of its biggest stars Sunday as a sheriff's watchdog launched an investigation into a possible cover up of a leaked report that quoted Mel Gibson unleashing a tirade of anti-Semitic remarks during a drunken driving arrest.
One media expert said Gibson irreparably damaged his career with his "crazy" behavior following his arrest by Los Angeles County Sheriff's deputies in Malibu early Friday. Charges of anti-Semitism were also leveled against the actor-director with the release of his 2004 blockbuster "The Passion of the Christ."
"It's a nuclear disaster for him," said publicist Michael Levine, who has represented Michael Jackson and Charlton Heston, among others. "I don't see how he can restore himself."
The entertainment Web site TMZ posted what it said were four pages from the original arrest report, which quoted Gibson as launching an expletive-laden "barrage of anti-Semitic remarks" after he was stopped on Pacific Coast Highway.
According to the report, in addition to threatening the arresting deputy and trying to escape, Gibson said, "The Jews are responsible for all the wars in the world," and asked the officer, James Mee, "Are you a Jew?"
The report has not been made public, but the Los Angeles Times reported Sunday that it had independently verified its authenticity.
Gibson's publicist, Alan Nierob, would not elaborate beyond a nonspecific apology Gibson issued Saturday. Sheriff's sources also declined to comment on Gibson's alleged remarks.
Studio executives, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the matter, were divided on how Gibson's behavior would affect his career. One noted that people have short memories, including filmmakers who might want to profit from Gibson's star power.
The Office of Independent Review, a department watchdog panel, has opened an investigation into whether authorities gave Gibson preferential treatment by covering up his alleged inflammatory comments, said its chief attorney, Mike Gennaco.
"Assuming that the report was excised, then the question is was it done for a good reason within regulations," he said.
Gibson has filmed public service announcements for Sheriff Lee Baca's relief committee dressed in a sheriff's uniform.
"There is no cover-up," Baca told the Los Angeles Times.
Now we all know that many higher ups in Hollywood are Jews, (this isn't an anti-semitic statement), so I think Gibson's days as a A list Hollywood studio actor are finished. I realize the statements were inflammatory and damaging, but I would hate for Mel Gibson to be blacklisted when other actors have done more damning things and continued their successful careers. Any thoughts on Gibson's future? I realize this isn't exactly an important topic, but with all the death and hatred in the news, this seemed to be a less stressful topic to discuss for a short while.
ok i can understand getting arrested for drunk driving but what does anti semitic marks have to do with anything, racism isnt a crime as long as its only words? i am really confused, and isnt mel gibson jewish or am i confused with someone else?
i am really confused, and isnt mel gibson jewish or am i confused with someone else?
He's an Irish Catholic, born in New York to an Irish-American dad and Irish-Australian mother; he was raised in NY and Australia, though many people think of him as an Aussie national, he's not.
"This world is a blank price tag, and whatever value you put on it, is what its worth to you. I have made this world priceless and worthless, so therefore I have placed my value in the afterlife."
In the heavens and the earth there are certainly signs for the believers. And in your creation and all the creatures He has scattered about there are signs for people with certainty.
(Surat al-Jathiyah: 3-4)
Also, if in fact he was driving under the influence, I think that's even worse than any anti-Semitic remark. Drunk driving is a despicable, irresponsible and potentially lethal crime. Sure, anti-Semitism is offensive too, but drunk driving...
Anyway, I don't think Gibson will be out of work. The guy's loaded and has directed movies in the past - he'll simply make another film that he funds himself.
(note: There's a Mad Max joke I could make here, but it would just be inappropriate)
He's an Irish Catholic, born in New York to an Irish-American dad and Irish-Australian mother; he was raised in NY and Australia, though many people think of him as an Aussie national, he's not.
Quick note. He is not Catholic as you and I would consider someone Catholic. He belongs to the Society of St. Pius, which was excommunicated from the Catholic Church several decades ago.
If he replaced 'muslim' with 'jew' in his drunk insults, violent protests were spur up everywhere, demanding he be stoned and end his career because of his lack of tolerance.
If he replaced 'muslim' with 'jew' in his drunk insults, violent protests were spur up everywhere, demanding he be stoned and end his career because of his lack of tolerance.
Try to look at it from both sides.
yeah but he would be lying then so that would make sense! on the other hand israel is killing lebonese for fun at the moment!
yeah but he would be lying then so that would make sense! on the other hand israel is killing lebonese for fun at the moment!
Oh really. The 'Jews' start all the wars?
Would Israel be in Lebanon right now if Hezbollah terrorists did not cross into its territory and capture kill eight and capture 2? No. Hezbollah started this conflict. Your incapability to understand that is very apparent.
If he replaced 'muslim' with 'jew' in his drunk insults, violent protests were spur up everywhere, demanding he be stoned and end his career because of his lack of tolerance.
Try to look at it from both sides.
I hate to admit it,...
..but he is Right.
Don't get me wrong, i sitll like Mel.
The man was drunk for crying out loud What do you expect from a drunk person
Dont Mistake My Harshness For Strength And Neither Mistake My Kindness For Weakness.
salams
i think mel gibsons comments were unacceptable and racist i think people should remember that jews are not to blame for the conflict but zionests are to blame, because many jews are against zionests
wasalm
annie
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