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CHRISTIAN FILM-MAKER MEL GIBSON’S SHAMEFUL DUI ARREST: Were his alcohol induced anti-Semitic rants from his heart?
Actor and film maker, Mel Gibson’s Christ-like image was tainted when he was arrested with open bottle of Tequila in his car for speeding (87 mph in a 45 mph zone) Friday, July 28.
Breathalyzer results showed a blood alcohol level of.12 in Malibu. The legal limit in CA is .08. Gibson was taken into custody, but released with $5,000 bond.
Clearly inebriated, it turns out that the filmmaker who directed and self-financed the highest grossing Christian film in history (three time Academy Award nominated The Passion of the Christ), also made denigrating comments about Jews in the process.
These exact inflammatory words the celebrated actor said have caused an uproar in LA’s Jewish community: “The Jews are responsible for all the wars in the world,” and deepened the insult by asking the arresting officer, “F---ing- Jews. Are you a Jew?”
The next day Gibson apologized for what he calls his “belligerent behavior” in a statement that some have criticized for sounding like it was crafted by a PR person. On August 2 later he was issued a DUI charge, a misdemeanor, with a tentative arraignment date set for September 28.
Considering the current war and tense international relations, this is an inexcusable faux pas according to Abraham H. Foxman, National Director of the Anti-Defamation League. "People in the entertainment community, whether Jew or gentile, need to demonstrate that they understand how much is at stake in this by professionally shunning Mel Gibson and refusing to work with him, even if it means a sacrifice to their bottom line. There are times in history when standing up against bigotry and racism is more important than money."
Christ’s passion might redeem the star, but Hollywood, with a dominant Jewish presence may not forgive his anti-semitic remarks. Drunkards say things when they are intoxicated that they want to say but are afraid to say when sober goes and old saying. And this is not the first time Gibson’s views toward Jews has been suspect. Some Jewish leaders resisted “The Passion of the Christ” because they say Jews were depicted as murders of Christ, which has been a source of age-old conflict between Catholics and Jews.
Gibson was raised Catholic and his father allegedly denies the reality of the Holocaust.
Gibson admittedly has struggled with alcohol abuse “all of his adult life” and has reportedly sought professional help in the past. The actor’s full apology follows:
Gibson’s Apology:
"After drinking alcohol on Thursday night, I did a number of things that were very wrong and for which I am ashamed.
I drove a car when I should not have, and was stopped by the LA County Sheriffs. The arresting officer was just doing his job and I feel fortunate that I was apprehended before I caused injury to any other person.
I acted like a person completely out of control when I was arrested, and said things that I do not believe to be true and which are despicable. I am deeply ashamed of everything I said, and I apologize to anyone who I have offended.
Also, I take this opportunity to apologize to the deputies involved for my belligerent behavior. They have always been there for me in my community and indeed probably saved me from myself.
I disgraced myself and my family with my behavior and for that I am truly sorry.
I have battled with the disease of alcoholism for all of my adult life and profoundly regret my horrific relapse. I apologize for any behavior unbecoming of me in my inebriated state and have already taken necessary steps to ensure my return to health.” -- Mel Gibson
