Mel Gibson Apologizes for Tirade After Arrest

[Drea]

See that is the difference between you and I. In my world when people get drunk not once, but on many instances, and lose control, I think it is a sign something is wrong. From the sound of your response, you feel it is just a little joke. Do me a favour, the next time you are drunk and start popping off at the mouth about anyone, don't drive and don't be suprised if you get a fat lip.

Sorry to disappoint you but I have no use for alcohol. Makes me feel all queezy, yuk!

Yah, it was a small thing -- why are people making such a big deal of it?

I never much liked the man but geeeeeeeeezzzz I feel sorry for him -- he is now the world's worst villain

Doesn't the world have more to worry about than one man's stupid drunken comments?

[jdobbin]

Doesn't the world have more to worry about than one man's stupid drunken comments?

How about two men's problem? Robin Williams just went into rehab as well.

[betsy]

Doesn't the world have more to worry about than one man's stupid drunken comments?

But considering his status (being a celebrity and all)...I think anyone who has the power to influence others should take the responsibility that comes along with it. It may've been just a stupid drunken comment....but a racist comment nonetheless....a racist comment that can influence others.

[Gowch]

Doesn't the world have more to worry about than one man's stupid drunken comments?

But considering his status (being a celebrity and all)...I think anyone who has the power to influence others should take the responsibility that comes along with it. It may've been just a stupid drunken comment....but a racist comment nonetheless....a racist comment that can influence others.

I agree totally. Having bestowed upon one all the benefits society has to offer -- fame, wealth, pussy galore -- confers upon one a responsibility to act responsibly.

I wouldn't want Gibson jailed or otherwise sanctioned legally for his latest outburst, but I think it would be just (and overdue) if people simply decided that the guy was an annoying nutbar whose movies are no longer worth producing, acting in, distributing or paying to see.

Bye, Mel. Who could have suspected that in your mind, Mad Max was actually fighting the 12 tribes of Israel when he battled those desert bikers? Go figure, eh, mate?

-IG

[betsy]

If his movies do not preach anti-semitism....I don't think they should be stopped or barred just for his comments. He had apologized. Whether we think he is sincere or not, I'd give him the benefit of the doubt.

He is a talented man when he really gets serious with his movie-making...and The Passion Of Christ was one of the most moving and realistic portrayal of the last few hours of Christ. The way it was portrayed had me see and understand how it really was....the suffering that I had now realized took for granted.

Besides, I'm waiting for Apocalypto.

But then it is for the people to decide if they still wish to throw money to watch his films after all these.

I really think he is dealing with some inner struggles. He's been brought up to think this way.

[Charles Anthony]

If his movies do not preach anti-semitism....I don't think they should be stopped or barred just for his comments. He had apologized. Whether we think he is sincere or not, I'd give him the benefit of the doubt.

With respect to him personally, I would not give him the benefit of the doubt. I firmly believe that inebriation brings out the truth. I believe he hates Jews.

With respect to his movies, I would give them the benefit of the doubt.

That is just me.

This reminds me of a guy who was discrediting Dr. Seuss' kids books because Dr. Seuss also led a professional career writing Nazi propaganda and whatever. I said "Surely, we can not see that in his kids books?" and he insisted that his kids books should boycotted. Whatever. Each to his own.

Whether Mel Gibson's movies preach "anti-semitism" or not is up to interpretation. I do not care. There are a lot of revisionist history movies and I believe that the majority of history we teach students in schools are outright lies anyway. Watch Mel Gibson's movies or not. Use your own brain and do your own research or not.

Now that Mel Gibson has spoken in the manner in which he did, I believe everybody has the right to speak out against both him and his movies any way they want. He should have known better and if not, his disgusting example will ring out to others.

[Riverwind]

With respect to him personally, I would not give him the benefit of the doubt. I firmly believe that inebriation brings out the truth.

Would you believe a paranoid schizophrenic that is off his meds speaks the 'truth'? Alcohol changes the mind chemically. For most people this simply shows up as a lack of inhibitions, however, for others alcohol can induce a dramatic personality change - an otherwise gentle person becomes extremely violent. A normally stable person starts to experience paranoia. These extreme personality effects are more common among people who have an addiction to alcohol (like Mel Gibson). So I would say that no one can reasonably say that Mel Gibson 'spoke the truth' because he was drinking unless they knew his medical history and how alcohol affects his mind and personality.

[Charles Anthony]

So I would say that no one can reasonably say that Mel Gibson 'spoke the truth' because he was drinking unless they knew his medical history and how alcohol affects his mind and personality.

You are right.

Would YOU give him the benefit of the doubt?

[Riverwind]

Would YOU give him the benefit of the doubt?

I am not sure what 'benefit of the doubt' means in this circumstance. Mel may be a law abiding guy that would never even dream of running a yellow light when sober - but he still was drunk behind the wheel and should face the consequences. It is also possible that anti-semetic thoughts never enter his mind when sober but he still said them and they became public. I don't believe he deserves to be ridiculed as an anti-semite but he is going to have to accept that he won't be making any more movies with Jewish characters in them.

[GostHacked]

This has to be one of the biggest non-stories out there it is rediculous.

Ottawa Citizen had NOTHING better that day but to run about 5 to 7 seperate and different articles on Mel Gibson's comments. There were 10 articles about the Lebanon/Israel/Hezbollah conflict. I blame the media for even putting this thing in the spotlight. And it seems like poeple are talking about this as much as the conflict in the Middle East. Personaly I really could not care WHAT Mel says. Overall it won't mean shit.

Have we got nothing better to talk about? Should we still watch his movies? Should we give him another chance? Is he worse than any other Hollywood actor or actress? How many go on rants? How many get busted for drugs/hookers/drinkin? How many go to rehab? How many reoffend?

FFS this is such a waste of everyones time discussing this. If you don't like him. Fine just vote with your eyes and don't watch his movies.

Mad Max will still be one of me all time fave sci-fi movies.

Also people are way toooooooo sensitive these days. I have a German background and have been called NAZI since I was a kid. Does it offend me? Hell no, I laugh at it.

This would be a great debate if these actions came from a politician. But from a movie star? I also see this as a diversion from the real problem, which is a few thousand miles away in the Middle East.

[gc1765]

But considering his status (being a celebrity and all)...I think anyone who has the power to influence others should take the responsibility that comes along with it. It may've been just a stupid drunken comment....but a racist comment nonetheless....a racist comment that can influence others.

Ottawa Citizen had NOTHING better that day but to run about 5 to 7 seperate and different articles on Mel Gibson's comments. There were 10 articles about the Lebanon/Israel/Hezbollah conflict. I blame the media for even putting this thing in the spotlight. And it seems like poeple are talking about this as much as the conflict in the Middle East.

Actually these posts bring up a good point. If the media hadn't made such a big deal about it, no one would have known what he had said and thus the comment wouldn't have been able to influence others.

[sharkman]

Here's a thought: Why should what Mel mutters to an officer while being arrested drunk be leaked to media just because he's famous. I'm sure many people have said much worse under the same circumstances. I'll guarantee you the word nigger has come up in the south to a black officer.

As a citizen he has the same rights as everybody else. Some bitter person in the police station probably leaked it and it's not right. Yes, what Mel did was wrong, but it was to an officer in private.

[Gowch]

Here's a thought: Why should what Mel mutters to an officer while being arrested drunk be leaked to media just because he's famous. I'm sure many people have said much worse under the same circumstances. I'll guarantee you the word nigger has come up in the south to a black officer.

As a citizen he has the same rights as everybody else. Some bitter person in the police station probably leaked it and it's not right. Yes, what Mel did was wrong, but it was to an officer in private.

There is no "private" when a criminal suspect shoots off

his mouth in front of a police officer who is, I'll remind you,

a government official.

Regarding that "bitter person in the police station" who leaked the

story to the media, more likely it was someone who was pissed off

that the police brass, awed by Gibson's celebrity, tried to

have the official record changed to protect the reputation of their

rich and famous suspect.

It says here that whoever the leaker is deserves a good-citizenship

medal.

-IG

[betsy]

With respect to him personally, I would not give him the benefit of the doubt. I firmly believe that inebriation brings out the truth.

Would you believe a paranoid schizophrenic that is off his meds speaks the 'truth'? Alcohol changes the mind chemically. For most people this simply shows up as a lack of inhibitions, however, for others alcohol can induce a dramatic personality change - an otherwise gentle person becomes extremely violent. A normally stable person starts to experience paranoia. These extreme personality effects are more common among people who have an addiction to alcohol (like Mel Gibson). So I would say that no one can reasonably say that Mel Gibson 'spoke the truth' because he was drinking unless they knew his medical history and how alcohol affects his mind and personality.

Excellent point.

From what I've read...he tried to run away from the arresting officers when he was stopped. His behaviour was really bizarre.

[betsy]

This has to be one of the biggest non-stories out there it is rediculous.

Ottawa Citizen had NOTHING better that day but to run about 5 to 7 seperate and different articles on Mel Gibson's comments.

It's not surprising. The Ottawa Citizen had become a tabloid.

[betsy]

Here's a thought: Why should what Mel mutters to an officer while being arrested drunk be leaked to media just because he's famous. I'm sure many people have said much worse under the same circumstances. I'll guarantee you the word nigger has come up in the south to a black officer.

As a citizen he has the same rights as everybody else. Some bitter person in the police station probably leaked it and it's not right. Yes, what Mel did was wrong, but it was to an officer in private.

Another excellent point!

I would bet about some beligerent drunk muttering or referring to "nigger"...or "chink", etc.,

[Charles Anthony]

There is no "private" when a criminal suspect shoots off

his mouth in front of a police officer who is, I'll remind you, a government official.

I agree with the statement.

However, I disagree with the font of choice.

Here's a thought: Why should what Mel mutters to an officer while being arrested drunk be leaked to media just because he's famous.

Admittedly, it is because the news can sell papers.

As a citizen he has the same rights as everybody else.

What "right" would that be? The right to say-whatever-you-want-and-not-allow-others-to-listen-or-repeat-it?

Some bitter person in the police station probably leaked it and it's not right. Yes, what Mel did was wrong, but it was to an officer in private.

Hypothetically, if Mel Gibson could sue the officer for leaking the comment, what would the claim be?

[betsy]

There is no "private" when a criminal suspect shoots off

his mouth in front of a police officer who is, I'll remind you, a government official.

I agree with the statement.

However, I disagree with the font of choice.

Here's a thought: Why should what Mel mutters to an officer while being arrested drunk be leaked to media just because he's famous.

Admittedly, it is because the news can sell papers.

As a citizen he has the same rights as everybody else.

What "right" would that be? The right to say-whatever-you-want-and-not-allow-others-to-listen-or-repeat-it?

Some bitter person in the police station probably leaked it and it's not right. Yes, what Mel did was wrong, but it was to an officer in private.

Hypothetically, if Mel Gibson could sue the officer for leaking the comment, what would the claim be?

I don't know if it can be sued....for celebrities have been hounded by the media incessantly. The latest is the scandal with Prince Charles regarding his phones being tapped by the media....which however, resulted with some arrests.

The fact that Mel blabbed to an officer of the law....an officer who's supposed to uphold the law, and that includes not contributing to circumstances which will undoubtedly exploit the situation for financial gain resulting from sensationalism, and have the arrested individual of being unceremoniously judged and tried in public opinion without any fair trial.

It also puts into question the integrity of Law Enforcement, particularly this division that handled the case.

Was there any bribes involved for releasing this information to the media?

[Charles Anthony]

The fact that Mel blabbed to an officer of the law....an officer who's supposed to uphold the law, and that includes not contributing to circumstances which will undoubtedly exploit the situation for financial gain resulting from sensationalism, and have the arrested individual of being unceremoniously judged and tried in public opinion without any fair trial.

I look at it quite the opposite way. I think the media exploitation and the result on Gibson's reputation is better justice.

Although you may be able to influence both your reputation and what other people think of you, you can not own or control either.

Therefore, it makes no sense to lay claim upon them.

[betsy]

His publicist is Jewish and from what I read apparently he has hired other Jewish employees.

He is supposed to be producing a tv series about the life of a Dutch Jewish boy....and now they say this might be cancelled because of his rant.

Why would he need to spend money to produce this tv series about a Jew?

Some may say that he is trying to cover the fact that he is racist. But he does not need to cover anything. He does not need to make any extra effort.

I don't think anyone blames him for his father's bigotry. All he needed to do is go about his business like everyone else in Hollywood.