BREAKING NEWS: New Mel Gibson Statement

If Mel Gibson [pictured in his finally released DUI mugshot left] had said this in the first place, things might have gone slightly better for him over the past few days:
Tuesday, August 1, 2006:

"There is no excuse, nor should there be any tolerance, for anyone who thinks or expresses any kind of Anti-Semitic remark. I want to apologize specifically to everyone in the Jewish community for the vitriolic and harmful words that I said to a law enforcement officer the night I was arrested on a DUI charge.

I am a public person, and when I say something, either articulated and thought out, or blurted out in a moment of insanity, my words carry weight in the public arena. As a result, I must assume personal responsibility for my words and apologize directly to those who have been hurt and offended by those words.

The tenets of what I profess to believe necessitate that I exercise charity and tolerance as a way of life. Every human being is God’s child, and if I wish to honor my God I have to honor his children. But please know from my heart that I am not an anti-Semite. I am not a bigot. Hatred of any kind goes against my faith.

I’m not just asking for forgiveness. I would like to take it one step further, and meet with leaders in the Jewish community, with whom I can have a one on one discussion to discern the appropriate path for healing.

I have begun an ongoing program of recovery and what I am now realizing is that I cannot do it alone. I am in the process of understanding where those vicious words came from during that drunken display, and I am asking the Jewish community, whom I have personally offended, to help me on my journey through recovery. Again, I am reaching out to the Jewish community for its help. I know there will be many in that community who will want nothing to do with me, and that would be understandable. But I pray that that door is not forever closed.

This is not about a film. Nor is it about artistic license. This is about real life and recognizing the consequences hurtful words can have. It’s about existing in harmony in a world that seems to have gone mad."

Comments

[Mark Rutland]

That's true: words can be harmful, very harmful. And it is important to come back to them — because we are civilized people, and words are not bullets. With this second apology, Mel Gibson proved to be a man of honour. Meaning: a man that tries hard to deal with his own faults. We must thank him — and keep the words flowing.

[Smart-tooshie]

I can't believe he's already at his 5th step. That's the fastest rehab ever!

[T. H. Ung]

I wish Mel well too, and I hope that what he means by, “I am in the process of understanding where those vicious words came from…” that he means he is asking his personal religious advisors, first, how “to discern the appropriate path for healing” and that he can then tell Jews and everyone else what he has learned. Wouldn't that be genuine? It puts Jews in an akward position of being insulted and then asked by the insulter how he can heal himself. Sure he'll find Jewish leaders that will sit down with him, but it will unfairly put the focus on who of them will and won't. I've never been comfortable with mea culpas from anyone, too much ick factor for me. I understand why he needs to apologize specifically to Jews, but I don't agree that it should be specific. I'm glad he's acted fast though, so that what he has expressed doesn't become more acceptable in anybody's eyes.

[Doug Pace]

Perhaps Mr. Gibson would like to apologize to the gay community next. He has been publicly insulting us for quite a long time.

[CARLA]

AFTER READING MEL GIBSON COMMENT, I ACCEPT HIS APOLOGY, AS JESUS SAID IN HIS WORDS "YE WITHOUT SIN CAST THE FIRST STONE". WE HAVE ALL SINNED AN COME SHORT OF THE GLORY, SO WHY CAN'T WE UNDERSTAND JUST WHERE MEL GIBSON IS COMING FROM. HE WAS NOT HIMSELF. HE WAS UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF A CONTROL SUBSTANCE. LET'S FORGIVE HIM, EMBRACE HIM BACK INTO THE FELLOWSHIP AND MOVE ON TO MORE IMPORTANT ISSUES LIKE WHAT'S GOING ON IN ISRAEL.

[Beth]

As a fellow Christian, and therefore sister in Christ with Mel Gibson, I am very glad to see him make this statement. We are not perfect people, we make mistakes, but as a person on the path to becoming more like the one we follow, accountability and repentance are key to our lifestyle. I pray that the leaders and Jewish community at large will see this as a sign of a man seeking forgiveness for something that he regrets doing, but also as a chance to grow as a human. God bless you, Mel Gibson. And Godspeed your recovery.

[Mariilee]

Oh please.... this last statement by Gibson is just a frail attempt to whitewash his ugliness. A man of honor? That's absurd.

He's spinning... he's already lost a TV series and Barbara Walters has said she's seen her last Gibson film. His movie production company, his films, his wealth, reputation and even his standing as a devout Christian are being threatened.

He's revealed as truly being the anti-semite so many suspected. After all, while alcohol releases inhibitions, and allows what's inside one an escape route, it doesn't create a monster, it only gives that monster a freedom to spew hatred.

We can usually forgive a person their foibles, their lapses in judgment and mistakes. But how can one excuse the blackness in a heart on the basis of a missive from his PR person?

I suggest reading Jami Bernard's blog at MCN today. She's got his number.

http://www.mcnblogs.com/jamibernard/

[Dinosaur]

Dear Mr. Gibson: I wish to congratulate you making this recent statement of apology to the Jewish community. This statement is an example of the highest achievement in human life: the uniquely human act of an individual saving his soul, and in the process, saving others' souls. I stand next to you in persuading members of the Jewish community to have that meeting. In having that meeting, you will be paving the way for others to follow your example. Again, congratulations!

[froggy57]

A nice speech typed up by the PR people who see millions of dollars in lost income in the future, and are trying to head off further PR disaster.
He is a professional ACTOR. These are his lines. Is he sincere? How the hell would any one possibly know? If he is, good on him. If not, well, business as usual.
We, the general public, are reacting viscerally. Mel and his publicists are reacting in a business sense. Regardless of how much sincerity is involved on their part, it is still business.
I have no doubt that Mel regrets the fact that the video was rolling. I know that a great actor has the ability to lose himself in a part. As he is undoubtedly doing now.
He had to have been temporarily insane at the time as, being a producer and director and pro actor, he had to have been aware of video recorders and anyone not living in a cave for the last decade is aware that police traffic vehicles probably carry videos. They are mounted right on the dash in plain sight.
So temporary insanity is a legitimate plea.
But. Alcohol lowers inhibitions. Another person emerges from the drunkeness, and the person that emerges is not some alien. It is our alter ego. The part of us we usually keep suppressed. But it is still a very real part of us. Now that he has seen it, maybe he can lay it to rest. If he is sincere in his desire to do so. Ridding oneself of a bad habit or characteristic is hard. It is like quitting smoking. Although we all give lip service to wanting to quit, no one really quits smoking untill they acknowledge the fact that they have the addiction and they really have a sincere desire to be rid of the addiction. We can't lose an addiction while in denial. Looks like Mel is still in denial.
His apparent reaching out the Jewish community sounds more to me like, 'Lets talk. I'm a persuader. In one on one I feel confident I can turn your head.'
If he is really sincere, the battle begins and ends in his own head. No need for the jewish community to be involved. You've already told them how you feel, Mel. Don't try to chump them. Say what you want about the Jews, but nobody ever accused them of being stupid.

[Pr Art Duttchen]

It takes a man to admit when he made a mistake and accept the responsibility for it. Mr Gibson did just that and I praise him for it he put himself in that spot and is now asking for help and I pray he receives it. How many with his resources would have just hid away and let the storm blow over? Anybody who has ever said things in the heat of the moment fuelled by alcohol or anger can relate? I think we all can if not take it from me, been there and done that.
the skypilot

[Roger Moore]

I do not understand the full weight of dealing with alcohol. I have seen what it can do to friends, family, people you do not even know and in this case Mr. Gibson. I do understand what the effect the words of anger, hate and stupidity can have on people.
Mr. Gibson has a very hard road to travel, not just to regain the respect of the public and the ones he has hurt, but to respect himself again. He will need help and support.
We all must remember one very important item,
Let he that is without Sin, cast the first stone.

[Carmen]

Oh come on!! I'm sure all of us have made a racial comment in our lives. The difference is simply that we are not movie stars, rock stars or Politicians. Everyone makes a mistake. True Christians always forgive. Mel Gibson just so happens to be one of my favors actors and still continues to be. So let's not be that hard on Mel as he is still a great actor. Who hasn't made mistakes in their lives!!! Great apology Mel.

[Jessica]

The man is a bigot plain and simple. His apology is based on his paychecks! I being Jewish, though not practicing or of Jewish faith still find his remarks to be extremely disheartening. My ancestors were put through enough hell w/out having to add the hatred and ignorance of some of today's society. Doesn't he know that alcohol is a truth serum?? It's when one is drunk that the truth comes to light! Unfortunately the horrible truth that some would never say out loud otherwise. Mr. Gibson being the perfect example! I wish him well with his recovery but I will never again support that man in any of his endeavors!

[Aaron Schiff]

Mark –
I fail to realize how Mel Gibson is a man of honor. Just because Mel Gibson apologizes for making Anti-Semitic remarks and admitting flaws doesn’t make him a man of honor. He got caught being a bigot and now he must save face.

You wrote: “Mel Gibson proved to be a man of honour. Meaning: a man that tries hard to deal with his own faults”

Well if dealing with your own faults makes you honorable, I sincerely hope more people try to actively deal with their faults and its not limited to just Mel Gibson. People fail to realize that Mel Gibson is a person before he is an actor and is no different than anyone else. An actor should receive no more special treatment then you or I. How well would your friends react if you had a problem with Jews, Blacks, Asians or Muslims?

In my humble opinion there is no reason for racial prejudice in this world because we all share one common thread. If you go back far enough, we are all brothers and sisters.

-Aaron

[John Anderson]

"In Vino Veritas." Mel Gibson is an anti-Semite. He is a bigot. But his views are nothing more than how he was raised by his Holocaust denying father. Whether he is publicly forgiven by the Jewish Community or not,eventually this insident will be forgotten like all other past actors, politicians, and sports commentators who have expressed views of racism or bigotry.

[tracy webb]

Mr Gibson
YOu are doing right as the bible says if you have offended your brother go to him and ask his forgiveness. Just remember though that only God is your judge and like David he would rather that God judge him than man. Man has no right to judge. Just remember your movie. All you have to do is throw yourself at the foot of the cross. Jesus already paid a price and you are saved by grace through faith and that faith is in Jesus. Remember the word says his name shall be called Jesus and he shall save his people from their sins. Pray it, believe it and claim it every day. Though a righteous man falls seven times he gets back up. That is the walk of faith. That is why Jesus said we must be born again. Adam brought us under the sin of flesh and Jesus came to reconcile us. He became sin for us who knew no sin that we might be made in the righteousness of God through him. I'll be praying for you and Jesus said blessed are those who do hunger and thirst after righteousness for they shall be filled. God sees your hunger and sincerity and shortly he will reveal himself to you.

[Richard Borders]

James tells us in James 3:5-8, that the tongue "is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison....Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! ....and the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity; so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell."

In this context, James is instructing us in the proper use of our tongue, warning us about using it in an evil and unkind way. He continues by saying, "Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be" (James 3:9-10). Furthermore James writes, "Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: for the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God....If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart this man's religion is vain" (James 1:19,20,27). Solomon tells us, "Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth. As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife" (Proverbs 26:20-21).

[Fran]

I feel the man apoligised NOW LET IT GO!! he may have made "The Passion of the Christ". But please "Mel is just a man". I think it takes an exceptional man to apologise when they know the world is watching and they have screwed up in some way. NONE OF US ARE PERFECT! we just dont get posted in the Sunday paper for what we did on Friday or Saturday night. I look forward to more of his great writing and directing and producing .
If anyone cannot forgive then they are not fo God! this includes the Jewish community.
Mel, God still loves ya & I still love ya!!! God bless you !!

[Nigel Lipschitz]

Mel's thinking... "F***in'-A, why couldn't I have just got off with a nasty mug shot like Nick Nolte? Had to open my mouth!!!"

[Elliott SMith]

I agree with Mel Gibson, I am not ant-Semite either. I have relatives that are Jewish and they are great people. The fact that Jews made up the word anti Semitic only hurts themselve because its a scape goat to call others anti semitic. Its just another stereotype. Why single themselves out , its just like the word "nigger,spic or cracker". Just sticks and stones in my mind. We were given the freedom of speach and sometimes bad words are needed to explain exactly how bad things are. However Jews speak louder with their actions than there words. Not to be stereotypical but many of them have used there money to over influence America. For a group of people that only consist of 1% of the worlds population they have seized about 40% of its assest. In government they make up 20% of Americas reps. Democtracy? How can a country that is primarly Christian let a group of people who don't even share their same values rule them. Their representation is not fair! ITS ALL ABOUT MONEY! I bet Mel would agree with me that America is indeed controled by the Zionist. In fact I will be surprised if this message even gets posted. I am not against Jews I am against Zionist their is a difference. Look at the current terrorist attacks in Lebonon. Look at Bush's cabinet 85% of them are Zionist. Every year we give Isreal billions of our tax dollars in aide and look what they do with it. We can't expect peace in the middle east when we have wolves in sheeps clothing in washington.

[secgma]

It is nice to see someone take responsibility for their actions. Since he has appeared to be anti-semitic, we should now be greatful that he is willing to change this about himself. After all, isn't that what is hoped for? Perhaps this incident was a good thing in the long run. He is handling this exactly as we would hope someone would (should) do in this situation. He didn't run away allowing his PR to defend him and pretend nothing bad happened. He admited his fault and is now cleaning up after himself. Wonderful example.

Hey! T Cruise! Your turn!

[anonymom]

I'm Hispanic, and the Mexicans have a saying: "You can gold-plate a penny, but with time the copper shows through".

I'm glad he is showing contrition. However, alcohol cannot make someone a racist, anti-Semite, pedophile or batterer unless those impulses are ALREADY THERE.

Medically speaking, what alcohol does is sedate the pre-frontal cortex, shutting down higher brain functions like judgment and impulse control. The pre-frontal cortex acts as the "brakes" four our behavior.

If the pre-frontal cortex isn't doing its job, it's like cutting the brake cables on a car. However, severed brake cables won't make you drive off a cliff unless you're headed towards the cliff to begin with.

[Benjamin]

As they say, the elephant's dump does not fall too far from its buthole. Hence Mel & his father. I am certain that Mel's Grandmama was visited by Adolph himself.
This son of a bitch needs to go to Lebanon & help his anti semiet brothers in arms against Israel. Hopefully he will take a bullet for his comrades and stop making inflamatory stupid movies against the jews.

[GQ]

There are much more pressing issues to discuss. The attention this out-burst getting is nothing more than "smoke and mirrors" for something else.

Gibson’s out-bursts are of little significance. What's really disconcerting is the fact that a "Gibson" like apology was never retorted on the behalf of African Americans. There have been a number of prominent individuals; Christian and Jewish, Muslim and Hindu that have made disparaging remarks about Blacks...

Where is the resolve that states religious and racial-intolerance of any kind will not be “tolerated”?

[lw]

In my opinion, Mel Gibson has managed through his latest drunken outburst to reveal the real Mel Gibson.

Only the most naive individual would take his words of contrition seriously. He claims that his movie was not anti semitic but it is hard to believe that he made it without an agenda. And how anyone could say the things he said to the police officer and not mean them is beyond belief as far as I am concerned.

If he is truly apologetic, perhaps he could contribute a couple of million dollars to the Anti Defamation League whose job it is to counter anti semitism.

[Benji]

Mr. Gibson has done nothing but confirm long-standing suspensions of his true beliefs. of course he will fall on his sword and beg for forgiveness. Mr. Gibson is well aware if he were to come out and say, "Yes I stand by my beliefs..." it would be professional suicide. I will never understand the origination of antisemitism, but I supesct those who harbor those feelings also are hosile toward other groups; ie Arabs, African Americans & homosexuals

[Bobby]

Who cares about what mel gibson says, this country is so obsessed with the lives of celebrities and the infamous that they pay no attention to the issues that really matter. Perhaps if more people spent time interacting with their children, or reaching out to the community and being involved instead of spending countless hours skimming through magazines and channel surfing the latest celeb news, then this would be a better world. The fact that you people are all up in arms because he said some f*cked up stuff is ridiculous... treat him like a normal human being... you wouldn't get involved in any other persons DUI unless you were directly affected, and if his comments directly affect you... then you are a weak individual...

Get off your couches and computers and do something with your lives... i can't even check my email anymore without being bombarded with all your stupid obsessions with the media.

[Celticbhoy]

well said Mel I believe him because when under the influence of alcohol we can say and do strange things, that of course is no excuse but is a reason as for Barbara Walters not watching any more Mel Gibson films "who cares" ?
Keep the Faith Mel its all you need

[Anne Thompson]

Elliott. I did consider not running your comments, which are terribly misguided, but I am publishing them in the interest of revealing how you think, basically, and how ill informed you are. I do not condone or accept your point-of-view in any way. I hope that your version of not being an anti-semite is not Mel Gibson's.

[Concerned American]

Driving under the influence is a crime under the law...Freedom of Speech is a protected right under the first Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Or have we become lemmings of this leftist "politically correct" fascist brainwashing!?!?
I don't expect to see this posted either...
FREEDOM IS AN ILLUSION!

[John Doe]

I think that Mel is basically a good guy who was terribly corrupted and mentally abused by his twisted, pathological father. Mel's anti-Semitism was innoculated in him by his father's hysterical, baseless, fanatical doctrinal views.

I don't think Mel's answer will be found in him prostrating himself before the Jewish community, but by exploring the pathologies of his beliefs and those of fanatical Abrahamic religions in general. There are plenty of Jews who are just as exclusive and just as xenophobic as Mel. There are many Jews who will probably never forgive him. They're missing the point, too.

There is only one thing you need to know whether you believe or not. It is where ethics intersects with morality. We call it the Golden Rule. We can always come together.

[Jayne Gibson]

I think that people should stop throwing stones at glass houses -- none of us is perfect. Maybe when some of you reach that state of perfection you can lash out at those who make mistakes. Until then:shut-up.

[Tony williams]

You must remember that this is the man who made the notoriously anti-semitic THE PASSION OF CHRIST who finally revealed his true nature under the influence of alcohol which, as one commentator has said, does not unleash what is not already there.
Of course, he is making an apology since he needs to continue working in Hollywood to continue his multi-million dollar lifestyle.
Anyone who believes this apology genuine needs their head examined. He did not "turn the other cheek" with his Bosch-like caricatures of Jews in THE PASSION OF CHRIST and you must remember the infamous statement, "His blood be upon our heads" remains in the film's dialogue although it is not translated.

[Olivia]

I am not Jewish, but cannot believe the words that came out of Mel Gibson's mouth...I have a different opinion of Mel now. That's why getting drunk is dumb - it can come back to haunt you, right Mel?

[Eric Miklas]

Back in the day Jesus (a Jew) walked this
planet, he was ridiculed by ever religion and
faith that existed, including fellow Jews.
They called him an imposter, denying he was
who he said he was. Even though, he forgave
all who would sin against him.

What kind of people would we be today whether
we be Jewish, Christian, Muslim, etc. if we
pretend to be holy yet can't forgive a man
who clearly goofed BIG TIME and wants our
forgiveness. He did today what so many of
us can't and won't come close to doing,....
publicly admitting he was wrong and is asking
for all of our forgiveness. He has
apologized and I feel sincerely so. Let's
forgive him and let us all move on.

Eric Miklas

[Brian]

Mel Gibson is an actor/director/writer. He makes a living entertaining people. As far as I am concerned he does a great job at it and is one of the best actors out there. I'm with 'Bobby'. Why should so many people be concerned with what Mel says? As long as he keeps up the good movie work I'm happy. If he for some reason should retire I would miss his work. But I miss Cary Grant's work too. What's the difference.

[Steve Liberman]

The only thing the booze did was open a window into Gibson's heart. He is a bigot plain and simple. Saying he isn't is an insult to the collective intelligence of the Jewish community.
His appology sounds sincere, but that's because he is paying good money for professional spin doctors to try to get him out this. To call him honorable is an afront to our collective intelligence. If you want to call him anythig then call him greedy. He is looking at losing some pretty hefty change because he can't stay away from the booze and keep his mouth shut.
Sometime down the road he will blame the Jews for his diminished success as well; just as ever other bigot has over the last 2000 years.
May he spend eternity with the rest of the bigots; they deserve one another.

Steve liberman

[John]

I cannot blame Mr. Gibson for any role he accepts in his profession, any more than I can blame the garbage collector for the way he smells at the end of his shift. What we do gets on us, but it's what we do and not who we are or necessarily what we believe.

I cannot, however, provide a blanket pardon simply because he was under the influence rather badly at the time. I walked in those shoes for nearly two years while tormenting myself and, by my own harsh words and actions, everyone around me. It was not until I sobered up and viewed this world through sane eyes that I recognized the hurt I had dispensed and felt true shame for it.

The effects of those days have not passed for me, and they won't for Mel either for a while. As one human brother who's been through it, I offer him my most sincere wishes and support for recovery.

Come back to not only us, Mel, but to and for yourself and those in this world who love you most. It's worth it.

[Juliet Palmer]

Enough already. Leave Mel alone. He said what a lot of of would like to say but do not have the guts to say it.

[Patsy]

Bigotry and sexism is like being pregnant. You either are or you aren't but as long as a human being can learn he can be taught and understand that racial hatred or any kind of hatred is making our world one sad place right now. When will we ever grow up as a species?