People In the News - YOUR Reaction !!

[woodbuck27]

People in the news:

The Official "Mel Gibson" Mug Shot after his recent arrest for a DUI.

Mel Gibson's latest apology

By AP

Wed, August 2, 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 honour my God I have to honour 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 licence. 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.

In addition:

Mel Gibson has gone into rehab in a fresh attempt to win his battle against alcoholism.

The 'Lethal Weapon' star launched into a drunken tirade, during which he allegedly made anti-Semitic comments after being stopped by police in Malibu, California, on Friday (28.07.06).

Mel's spokesman Alan Neirob:

"He has definitely entered a programme."

However, he refused to say where the rehab facility is or how long the actor will remain there.

Meanwhile, the 'Passion of the Christ' director has apologised for his actions. He said: "After drinking alcohol on Thursday night, I did a number of things that were very wrong and for which I am ashamed.

[Harlan Huckleby]

Some people claimed that "Passion of the Christ" was anti-semetic. I don't know what to think about the accusation, that movie is too violent for my tender eyes to see.

But it gives one pause when Gibson went on famous tirade, ""Fucking Jews, the Jews are responsible for all the wars in the world", and asking police officers if they were Jews. Obviously the guy is screwed-up, that's not just "the beer talking". He hates jews, and I'm not sure some meetings and apologies are going to change what's inside him.

[HarveyWallbangers]

Personally, I don't buy that Passion Of The Christ was anti-semitic. They showed the good side and bad side. There was a crowd of Jews that wanted him crucified, but they also showed many Jews that walked with him on his journey. I thought it was pretty fair. I didn't come out of the movie thinking it portrayed Jews as good or bad. If you haven't seen the movie, I think it's really unfair to to even comment on that issue.

It's too bad that Gibson fell off the wagon. Hopefully, this is a wakeup call, and he doesn't go Robert Downey Jr. on us. I know alcoholics and it's a battle that is never won.

[Harlan Huckleby]

Harvey, why specifically did people say it was anti-semetic?

[Harlan Huckleby]

From Anti-Defamation League

http://www.adl.org/Interfaith/gibson_qa.asp

ADL and Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ"
Frequently Asked Questions


Q. What is the basis for ADL's concerns about Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ"?
A. We first learned about Mr. Gibson's plans to make a film based on the final hours of Jesus' life in a New York Times Magazine article that appeared in February 2003. An early version of the script was shared with us. In August 2003, an ADL representative saw a rough cut in Houston. On January 21, we saw a version of the film at a screening in Orlando, Florida. We had hoped to see the film at Mr. Gibson's invitation, but we have had our requests denied, so we viewed it at a pastors' convention, at which Mr. Gibson was present.

Q. What was your impression of the film?
A. This film, which was theatrically released in the U.S. on Ash Wednesday, February 25, 2004, contains the same problematic aspects as earlier versions. We were saddened and pained to find that "The Passion of the Christ" continues its unambiguous portrayal of Jews as being responsible for the death of Jesus. There is no question in this film about who is responsible. At every single opportunity, Mr. Gibson's film reinforces the notion that the Jewish authorities and the Jewish mob are the ones ultimately responsible for the Crucifixion.

Q. ADL has said the film could fuel anti-Semitism. How so?
A. We fear the consequences of this film. There will be many people who are not so familiar with the Gospel narratives and might believe that everything they see on the film derives directly from the New Testament. Much of what is on the screen is Mr. Gibson's artistic vision and finds its genesis in extra-Biblical sources. We are also concerned about those who already are disposed unfavorably toward Jews and will use this to fan the flames of hatred.

Q. Mel Gibson has stated that many people are calling him an anti-Semite. What is ADL's position?
A. ADL and its representatives have never accused Mr. Gibson of being an anti-Semite. We do not know what is in his heart. We only know what he has put on the movie screen. The images there show Romans who behave with compassion toward Jesus. The Roman governor, Pontius Pilate, constantly expresses his reticence to harm Jesus. The Jews, on the other hand, are depicted as blood-thirsty. The Jewish High Priest, Caiaphas, is shown as bullying Pilate, and the hundreds and hundreds of amassed Jews demanding Jesus' death.

Q. Is the film faithful to the Bible and accepted Christian teachings?
A. The script is based upon the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark and Luke) and John. But in order to weave together the story, these different texts must be harmonized and holes in the story must be filled in. The Biblical text tries to project a story of faith, but some of the narratives also reflect the growing schism between the Church and the Jewish people. Modern scholars have taught that the Gospel narratives must be taught responsibly. Since the Second Vatican Council of the early 1960's the Catholic Church has taught that the Jews of Jesus' time, as well as the Jews of today cannot be held responsible for the death of Jesus.

Q. Are Jewish fears about the film exaggerated? After all, it is only a movie.
A. It has been said that Mr. Gibson's film represents the greatest tool for evangelization that has ever existed. Indeed, more people will see this film than all the Passion Plays from the Middle Ages to today. It is not just the film in movie theatres that has raised our concern, but the market for DVD copies (no doubt with additional footage and deleted scenes). These will be shown in youth gatherings, religious schools and other places without regard to modern scholarship and teachings. Further, we are concerned about the film's impact in Europe, South America and the Middle East, places where anti-Semitism already exists.

As anti-Semitism increases around the globe, many are using the age-old deicide charge to legitimize and foment hatred against Jews. Our concerns have already become an excuse for an outpouring of anti-Semitism. Since going public with our concerns about the film, ADL and other Jewish organizations have been flooded with hate-filled e-mails, letters and phone calls.

Q. Have you tried to discuss this with Mel Gibson?
A. We have repeatedly tried to reach out to discuss this with Mr. Gibson and Icon Productions, without success.

Q. Who else shares ADL's objections?
A. The concerns are shared by responsible Catholic, Protestant and Jewish theologians, clergy and citizens. A committee of nine Jewish and Catholic scholars studied an early screenplay and unanimously found it to be historically inaccurate, unfaithful to the gospel narratives and to project a uniformly negative picture of Jews. Mr. Gibson and his Icon Productions were aware of and approved of the script study until they received its conclusions.

Q. Did ADL try to censor Mel Gibson?
A. ADL never tried to "censor" the movie. We had requested a process similar to successful projects on the Oberammergau Passion Play and other sensitive artistic productions. ADL urged Mr. Gibson and Icon Productions to consult with interfaith professionals and New Testament experts to ensure a historically accurate and theologically responsible depiction of the crucifixion that is devoid of anti-Semitic dimensions. We asked Mr. Gibson to assume sensitivity and moral responsibility, which are obligations of all good people, and particularly artists who influence many around the world.

Q. Would you ever consider an organized boycott of the the film?
A. ADL does not engage in, nor does it support, boycotts under any circumstances. This policy is informed by the use of boycotts throughout history against the Jewish people and Israel. ADL believes that it can best promote change and raise awareness through making our voice heard.

Q. Is ADL trying to prevent Christians from telling the central story of Christianity?
A. Not at all. The story of the Passion can be told without disparaging the Jewish people. Such an account is mandated by the Catholic Church as a result of the Second Vatican Council, which in 1965 repudiated both the deicide charge and all forms of anti-Semitism in its document, Nostra Aetate. Most Protestant churches followed suit, and since 1965 Christians have worked cooperatively with Jews to correct anti-Semitic interpretations within Christian theology. Aside from theological considerations, artists have a moral and social responsibility to avoid promoting material that may foster hatred, bigotry and anti-Semitism.

Q. What can people do to counter the dangerous effects of anti-Semitic interpretations of passion stories?
A. In light of the controversy that the movie has raised, an effective way to counter its toxic effect is for Jews and Christians in communities around the country to cooperate by educating each other on the biblical history and interpretations accepted by the Catholic and Protestant churches that are free of any anti-Semitic elements.

Q. Is the controversy over the film part of the ideological culture war going on in America?
A. The issues raised by the movie should not pit Jews vs. Christians, liberals vs. conservatives, or secularists vs. religious people. The core issues are whether the movie inaccurately and unjustly portrays Jews as evil, responsible for the crucifixion, and whether such a depiction will re-stimulate old anti-Semitic stereotypes and hatred. The division is between those who want to prevent possible anti-Semitism and prejudice from occurring and those who seem callous to the dangers that the movie may cause.

[Harlan Huckleby]

It's too bad that Gibson fell off the wagon. Hopefully, this is a wakeup call, and he doesn't go Robert Downey Jr. on us. I know alcoholics and it's a battle that is never won.

"Old devil rum" blamed again. He may or may not be alchoholic, but this story is of interest because of his anti-semetism. A drunk actor is nothing to write home about.

[jack's smirking revenge]

It's been a long time since I got excited about anything Mel Gibson has done. It'll take an amazing PR magician to get him out of this mess.

tyler

[MadtownPacker]

So Mel cant have an opinion? So what if he dont like Jewish people. Probably just mad that they own Hollywood.

[Deputy Nutz]

Come one people it is not like Mel is a politican or anything. He is a movie star. Trust me do you think all the jewish producers out there would turn down Mel Gibson in their new blockbuster because he went on about jews to some police officers? Hell no, not if it guarantees them millions of dollars in revenue from the flick.

[Deputy Nutz]

Is it ok to strongly dislike Scientologist? Lets be honest I hate those fuckers, Tom Cruise, forget about seeing his stupid ass in a movie, go jump on a couch you dumbass!

[jack's smirking revenge]

Come one people it is not like Mel is a politican or anything. He is a movie star. Trust me do you think all the jewish producers out there would turn down Mel Gibson in their new blockbuster because he went on about jews to some police officers? Hell no, not if it guarantees them millions of dollars in revenue from the flick.

Hollywood can turn on someone quite easily..... ABC (i could be wrong on the station) has already cancelled the Holocaust miniseries is Icon studio was producing. They say it was because a script was never developed, but you know it has to do with the fallout of this incident. The cancellation happend the day after the event. It doesn't help that his father denies that the Holocaust happened.

The guy has clout, but who knows what to expect from an artist whose last score was a controversial movie. One event can overshadow a lifetime of success. Not saying that Mel isn't the guy to overcome the current situation, but it will be a challenge.

tyler

[Deputy Nutz]

I guess, but guys like Mel Gibson and Tom Cruise are a bit bigger though

[jack's smirking revenge]

Crisis experts: Gibson facing uphill climb
Star is 'at a tipping point right now,' says one

Wednesday, August 2, 2006; Posted: 10:51 a.m. EDT (14:51 GMT)

LOS ANGELES, California (AP) -- Mel Gibson's Tuesday apology for an anti-Semitic rant after his drunken driving arrest came several days too late, celebrity crisis management experts say.

It was the star's first acknowledgment that he spewed anti-Jewish slurs at Los Angeles County Deputy Sheriff James Mee early Friday -- a tirade that could threaten his career and the December release of his film "Apocalypto," in which he and Disney invested tens of millions of dollars.

"In the first 24 hours, people start forming opinions," said Richard Levick, whose Washington firm represents several celebrity clients. "He has constantly been behind the story and needs to get out front. What he's done through actions is turned perception into reality. People presume he is anti-Semitic."

The cloud of anti-Semitism has followed Gibson since the 2004 film "The Passion of the Christ," which many Jews felt unfairly portrayed Jews' role in the death of Jesus. The issue intensified after interviews with Gibson's father, who called the Holocaust mostly "fiction."

Levick said that while the film became a blockbuster despite the controversy -- or because of it -- this is Gibson's last chance to prove he isn't a bigot.

"Mel Gibson has a very high trust bank with audiences," Levick said. "And that is in jeopardy. This is at a tipping point right now."

InTouch Weekly editor Tom O'Neil told CNN's "American Morning" Tuesday that, if there are any other skeletons in Gibson's past, they're now likely to be revealed.

"This guy's got an army of tabloid reporters on his neck," O'Neil told CNN's Soledad O'Brien. "And he has a dark side that we're just seeing here. We're going to see a lot more things about his life and -- you know, somebody who has held himself up to such a pious standard has further to fall."

O'Neil also observed that, though Gibson may earn forgiveness from fans, obtaining it from his Hollywood colleagues will be more difficult.

"I talked to a top studio executive yesterday who will have to go nameless who said we don't care if he opens an orphanage in Israel on his knees, we're not forgiving this guy. Wow," said O'Neil.

'Show people, not just tell people'
However, in a sign that the Gibson camp gained some ground Tuesday, several Jewish leaders offered reserved praise for Gibson's apology. They said it was an improvement over a statement Gibson issued Saturday that only vaguely referred to "despicable" remarks.

"It addresses the issue, it addresses the substance," said Abraham H. Foxman, national director of the Anti-Defamation League. "I have two caveats. One, it's another publicist statement and makes me a little bit uncomfortable because the publicist issued the statement earlier in the week. To what extent is it a true reflection of Mel Gibson's true feeling? The other issue is two years ago when we dealt with the issue of 'The Passion of the Christ,' the same publicist reached out to me and told me how much Mel Gibson respects me and what kind of good guy he is, and (that) Mel Gibson wants to meet. Well, did I meet you? We never met."

The delay in having Gibson address the issue of anti-Semitism raised questions of insincerity, celebrity handler Michael Sitrick said.

"From the outside looking in," said Sitrick, whose Los Angeles firm represents such troubled clients as talk show host Rush Limbaugh, singer R. Kelly and drummer Tommy Lee. "I would've recommended that he say, 'These remarks that were attributed to me do not represent my beliefs and I am embarrassed and humiliated and upset at myself if those words came out of my mouth when I was drinking.' "

The latest apology, released by Gibson publicist Alan Nierob, was closer to the mark, Sitrick said.

"I want to apologize 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," Tuesday's statement said.

Gibson also said he had begun a recovery program and said he planned to meet with Jewish leaders "to discern the appropriate path for healing."

To rebuild his reputation, Gibson must "show people, not just tell people," Sitrick told CNN.com.

"He has to do things to demonstrate [he's changed]," Sitrick said, which can range from donations to Jewish organizations to participation in tolerance programs, he said.

Sitrick said Gibson is, in some respects, in uncharted territory. "I don't know of a comparable case," he said. He believes Gibson has an uphill battle to recover his reputation -- "there are some people for whom these wounds will never be healed" -- but "it's very early and the jury's still out. ... He's extremely talented and very successful, so [rebuilding] is possible."

Media image consultant Michael Sands, however, dismissed Gibson's apology as a cynical spin falsely attributing Gibson's anti-Semitism to alcohol.

"By Mel coming out with this latest statement, he is grasping for straws," said Sands. "It seems to me he sat around with his publicist and said, 'Hey, what do you think of this?' "

Veteran publicist Michael Levine, who called Gibson's public relations representatives "the best team money can buy," commended Nierob, who said Tuesday he was the only public relations professional assisting Gibson in the matter.

"Today's statement is particularly wise," Levine said. "The best defense is a good offense and the only offense is a relentless one."

The approach taken by Nierob, a vice president at stalwart publicity firm Rogers & Cowan, takes the "four principles of celebrity crisis" into account, Levine said: speed, humility, contrition and personal responsibility.

"If you go with those four things, you generally do pretty well in America," Levine said.

[MadtownPacker]

You know what??? Im gonna pull a Mel!!


I hate White people! They are responsible for the high cost of suntan lotion!!!

[Chester Marcol]

It's not like he went on stage and said the most damning thing a celebrity could say, like he was ashamed the president was from his state. I can understand why the Dixie Chicks got boycotted. Mad Max only blamed a religion for the wars in the world. Can't see any repercussion for that. Ofcourse Michael Jackson has gotten off as many times in court as he has at his Cub Scout sleep overs, so maybe this to will blow over. However, I believe the old saying, a drunk man's words are a sober man's thoughts.