People News
Jewish group rejects Gibson apology for anti-Semitic rant
Jul 31, 2006, 18:03 GMT
Los Angeles - Jewish leaders on Monday rejected as insufficient an apology from actor Mel Gibson for his alleged anti- Semitic rant following an arrest for drunken driving.
The Los Angeles Times reported meanwhile that Disney was considering withdrawing from distributing Gibson's upcoming film Apocalyto because of the fallout from the incident. A proposed Holocaust project that Gibson's company was producing for the Disney- owned TV network ABC was also in doubt, Variety reported.
Gibson was previously accused of stirring up anti-Semitism with his hit movie The Passion of the Christ. Gibson strongly denied those charges, but his comments at the time of his arrest Friday gave plenty of ammunition to his critics.
'Fucking Jews,' Gibson was quoted as telling his arresting officer, after being pulled over Friday for driving 140 kilometres- per-hour on the Pacific Coast Highway near his Malibu home. 'The Jews are responsible for all the wars in the world. Are you a Jew?'
Los Angeles Police are investigating whether there was an attempted cover-up of Gibson's comments. According to celebrity website TMZ.com, the original arresting report included details of Gibson's rant against Jews, his abusive language towards police officers, and even his attempt to escape custody, but this information was expunged from the official report and not revealed in a statement to the press.
Over the weekend Gibson, who considers himself a devout Catholic, issued a statement apologizing for his behaviour.
'I acted like a person completely out of control when I was arrested and said things I do not believe to be true and which are despicable,' Gibson said in a statement. 'I disgraced myself and my family with my behaviour and for that I am truly sorry,' Gibson said. 'I have battled with the disease of alcoholism for all of my adult life and profoundly regret my horrific relapse.'
But the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) said in a statement that Gibson's response was 'unremorseful and insufficient' and that his tirade 'finally reveals his true self.'
'It's not a proper apology because it does not go to the essence of his bigotry and his anti-Semitism,' said ADL national director Abraham Foxman.
'We would hope that Hollywood now would realize the bigot in their midst and that they will distance themselves from this anti-Semite,' he said.
© 2006 dpa - Deutsche Presse-AgenturCOMMENT
blog comments powered by DisqusLatest Headlines in People
- 1. Brooke Hogan belongs in TNA
- 2. Johnny Depp to receive MTV Generation award
- 3. Russell Brand praises 'highly attractive' Kim Kardashian
- 4. Florence Welch wants guitarist to date Katy
- 5. Jessica Simpson wears made in USA designs by Eileen West
Older Talkback
page: 1
Fine, he should not suffer. He should just sit in that town he owns, Malibu, dress up in SS-attire, polish his swastikas, and be left alone. It's not like there is some shortage of acting 'talent' in that part of the world. Happy to see his back. And no more of his sanctimonious crap for the yokels in Flyover Country to swoon over.
His great works will not be missed. Hasta la vista, jerk.
This is really, really unforgivable. This is the equivalent of setting off a bomb that destroys one's self and one's career. Even a drunk knows better than to start insulting a cop. This is proof that Gibson has been anti-Jewish all along, because you don't say this sort of thing unless it's already in the front of your mind. Disney will now have to cut all ties to him, out of sheer business expediency, and Gibson will be more of a pariah in Hollywood than he was already. I shed no tears for him -- he brought this on himself.
I find it impossible to believe Gibson only harbors such views when he's drunk.
Drunks are responsible for their own behaviors in the first place and furthermore I do not for one instant believe that being drunk will elicit behaviors or beliefs that aren't already lurking.
The only possible conclusion is that Mel truly hates jews. (So does his father, incidentally, and quite openly. Doubtless the elder rube is the source of Mel's indoctrinations.) Mel had the restraint, and the dishonesty, to lie about it when sober, knowing the damage his real opinions could do him.
I'm sure Mel was proud of himself that he found a way to assault the objects of his hatred by means of their portrayals in his movie.
His abject apology is characteristically calculated and clever but deeply dishonest.
Sad for him, but it's just as well we know.
Then again, perhaps Gibson is not so far off the mark....
http://www.iamthewitness.com/DarylBradfordSmith_Freedman.html
http://www.sweetliberty.org/issues/israel/freedman.htm
I think that whatever he said has to be considered under the circumstances that he was drunk and upset and that given the fact that he recognized his mistake he should be given a brake, for evidently Mel is a very emotional person who is suffering from a serious addiction. Beyond the public reaction caused by this present episode I believe that he is suffering the anger of people that have been offended by his movie “The Passion of the Christ”. Mel has already apologized and -from the religious stand point- nobody is to say that he is not being honest or that his apologies are “not enough” for that would be the equivalent of a “moral judgment” and, like the Hebrew God says: “You shall not judge”!
In these days where so much racial and religious hate is going on in this far from perfect world of ours I very much rather see a sound and recuperated Mel Gibson sharing the enlightening experience of his health and moral rehabilitation than the opposite. Throughout human history no people can claim to be free from the sin of hate and racism and that includes the people offended by Mel’s comments. This is a lesson of humility for everybody so let’s learn something good and decent from the faults of a talented man who still has much to give and who deserves to be given a hand instead of trying to crucify him and his artistic carrier. To err is human, to forgive is divine and when one is not sure as to how to react one most remember that love is God’s way. He loves and forgives is never wrong!
I think that whatever he said has to be considered under the circumstances that he was drunk and upset and that given the fact that he recognized his mistake he should be given a brake, for evidently Mel is a very emotional person who is suffering from a serious addiction. Beyond the public reaction caused by this present episode I believe that he is suffering the anger of people that have been offended by his movie The Passion of the Christ. Mel has already apologized and -from the religious stand point- nobody is to say that he is not being honest or that his apologies are not enough for that would be the equivalent of a moral judgment and, like the Hebrew God says: You shall not judge.
In these days where so much racial and religious hate is going on in this far from perfect world of ours I very much rather see a sound and recuperated Mel Gibson sharing the enlightening experience of his health and moral rehabilitation than the opposite. Throughout human history no people can claim to be free from the sin of hate and racism and that includes the people offended by Mel’s comments. This is a lesson of humility for everybody so let’s learn something good and decent from the faults of a talented man who still has much to give and who deserves to be given a hand instead of trying to crucify him and his artistic carrier. To err is human, to forgive is divine and when one is not sure as to how to react one most remember that love is God’s way. He who loves and forgives is never wrong
The bible refers to those who deny Christ as anti-Christ. The anti-Christ has it's roots in evil.
Thus, don't the Jews deny Christ. The bible clearly states that one can not know the Father if they do not know the Son.
Therefore, if the Jews (and even the Muslims) deny the Son, how can they ever proclaim to know the Father.
If one were to judge events of the halocaust and assest them to the readings of the bible, one could draw the conclusion of similarity in notion that the halocaust may have been a perceived divine punishment for those who deny the Son.
Mel Gibson, clearly is devot a Christain and like many Christains he harbors similar unspoken reasonings of concerns for his fellwo man.
Obviously he was intoxicated as such his concerns were not presented in the best possible light.
Yet, akk he spoke were words, verbal sounds clearly granted under the United States Constitution. The man didn't shoot anyone or blow anything up, but as the idiots we humans are, we are treating him and passing judgement upon him as such.
The proof of evolution isn't in the fossils of the past, it's in the traits most people show in their judgement for one another. The traits of stupid monkeys are always obviously apparent.
Ramiro, had I any faith that Mel is headed for the divine redemption you suggest, I could share your enthusiasm for forgiveness.
So far, though, the facts don't support any such scenario.
Do I hate Mel for hating? No.
Do I think his apology was sincere? Do I expect him to actually change his views?
No, and no.
Still, consciously or unconsciously, I suspect Mel wanted us to know the truth. People who're living lies, and who yet have a conscience, seem often to find ways to expose their truths. All of which suggests he's a decent enough soul somewhere in the mess.
People really can change, but it's not often they actually do. So I'll not hold my breath in anticipation.
FORGET THE JEWISH REMARKS AND REMEMBER THAT HE REFERRED TO A FEMALE OFFICER AS 'SUGAR TITS' HE TOLD THE ARRESTING OFFICER HE WOULD HAVE HIS JOB BECAUSE HE OWNED MALIBU, HE URINATED ALL OVER THE CELL BLOCK, TRIED TO ESCAPE AND USED THE 5 WORD AT THE POLICE OFFICERS COUNTLESS TIMES. WHAT KIND OF A MAN IS MEL GIBSON?
Why can't a person criticize Jews without being labelled an Anti-Semite?
Why can I criticize Americans, French, or the Chinese without getting such a label slapped on to me?
Jews are humans. And humans make mistakes. Why can't Jews accept criticism like all other groups of people on Earth? Why do they have to be such cry-babies all the time?
Are they exceptions to the rule?
Personally, I think Mel's comments have some truth. Although not *all* wars of the 20th-21st centuries have been caused by the Jews, *most* of the conflict in the world IS due to the existence of Israel.
All I know is that before Israel ever existed, the Middle East was quite a peaceful, pleasant place. (And my family has lived in Lebanon for 3 generations, since 1920 - the change has been HUGE. The Israelis are simply neighbors you don't want to have...)
Just b/c Mel ranted on to a cop about what might be his personal feeling, does it really require all this drama from the media. Is our country that bored that we just have to make a mountain out of a pebble. Is Mel's words really going to hurt my pay check? Affect the way I respond to my children? Cause the word to end? Guess what? It won't. Get over it! Just like the rest of us, he acted in a stupid manner and regrets it. It's not our job to judge him b/c we've all done something to offend someone else. In reality, Mel is just a man who can't handle his liquor. Get over it, go to work, pay your bills, and raise your kids not to make the same mistake that you or Mel made.
He who is without sin cast the first stone....
Sorry folks but those passing judgment upon Gibson and wishing bad tidings for him are every bit as guilty of running there mouths as Gibson has done during his drunken tirade.
Everyone should be held accountable for their past and present actions and this includes the Jews Muslims Christians and any other man made religious organization that preaches there way is the only way to Gods favor.
Democracy and Reverence for life: love forgiveness tolerance and the freedom to live and let live...
Why is it that each person that has a ridiculously ignorant and hateful comment can't spell? Go back to school and learn a few things - like how to use SpellCheck, and how to know a racist moran when he reveals himself. When a person shows you who thay really are, believe them the first time. Mel Gibson was raised as an anti-Semite - and hate is hate. Jesus Christ was born of Jewish parents, and I chose not to believe that Jesus would have sanctioned (look it up) any racist bigotry toward any group. Believe in the Bible - but, make sure you're not eating pork or wearing clothing of mixed fabric - because the Bible says that, too. If you are picking and choosing what you follow in the Bible and what you don't, then all that you say means nothing - you're just slanting your beliefs to meet your own racist mentality (look that up, too)then you are one of the causes of hate - not one of the cures to hate. Wake up - we're all in this together, fools.
Everyone,
The guy was drunk and out of control... Give him a break at least this one time. If it happens again, then pass your judgements... We are all supposed to be willing to forgive. Imagine if everyone you knew took you to task for every stupid thing you ever said?
This country was built on second chances...
To the idiot who rants typos...get a life.
I'm sick and tired of seeing this same crap on just about every message board.
I happen to be a programmer, designer, IT Tech, and a moderately horrendous typer. This is unfortunately possible because most C++ applications have code checkers. Thus allowing one to understand the code, but still proclaim horrible typing skills.
With bills, family, and so forth - typos are the least of my concerns.
Anyone concerned with such a trival things needs to end their online porn addictions / relationships and find a life in the real world, a world with bigger problems than typos.
Compare the 2 post - do typos really matter, the same point was perceived was it not.
Mel Gibson's comments were indeed regrettable and horriffic, as are all Racist rantings. He was in a drunken state at the time ,and may have over-exaggerated his true feelings.However, it must be assumed that there was some underlying Anti-Semitism present in his character. His apology may be the result of a desire to save his career,more than being sincerely contrite over his comments. Perhaps he realized ,a little too late, that there is a strong Jewish element in Hollywood. At any rate his remarks upset many people. They were untrue and unfair- certainly Jews are not responsible for ALL the wars in the world. But perhaps the sting of his comments comes because there is a small germ of truth there. The truth is that Jews are now involved in a war-and killing innocent people. As are Christians, Muslims, Hindus ,Buddhists and other Religions.In fact ,what war was ever fought where each side did not claim 'God is on our side'? The Nazis wore belt buckles with the words'Gott Mitt Uns'{God is with us}. Those who supported Hitler were mostly nominal Christians. Had they refused,WW2 would never have happened. Most Religions give lip service to the idea of peace and tolerance-yet they will shed innocent blood at the slightest provocation. Jews have been brutally persecuted for thousands of years. And the Persecutors have been Catholics, Muslims, Protestants -all 'Faithfully' ridding their world of the Jews.But does this make the same type of Genocidal action acceptable on the part of the Jews? Did the Crusades uphold the teachings of Jesus? And do the latest war atrocities uphold the concept'You Must Not Kill'?
As the saying goes, LET HE WHO IS WITHOUT SIN CAST THE FIRST STONE. For Gods sake everyone / PEOPLE TALK AND SAY LOTS OF THINGS / so.
The world has bigger problems than mels drunken mouth. Let it go.
God bless
The ADL forgave Jesse Jackson for 'hymie-town'; Jesse was not drunk. Everyone pretty much glossed over Ray Nagin's 'New Orleans will again become a chocolate city'; Ray was not drunk.
If Mel had not been drunk and said that Catholics were responsible for all the wars and that George Bush was the Anti-Christ, no one would have paid any attention.
Interesting that some think a man anti-semetic whose saints, heros, sacred text authors, and God were all Jews.
I find it interesting that everyone admits there is gloom and doom in Mel's future because of his drunken remarks. Those remarks were unacceptable, that's for sure, but so are hundreds of comments regarding the 'terrorist' Muslims that get carried over the wire every day. Those comments don't ruin careers, but comments regarding Jews do.
Given this reality, why is it that when someone raises the possibility that Jews are highly influential in many spheres of American life (e.g. Hollywood), that someone is called a conspiracy theorist or even anti-semitic?
Anti-semitism is not a serious problem in the modern world. The bigger problem is the people who use charges of anti-semitism to control others, like the Jewish Anti-Defamation League, which as an organization plays it about as fair as the Mafia.
I find it unduly harsh to doubt the sincerity of the apology of Mel Gibson. I am glad that he is in rehab and I wish him the best with this. But, I don't feel the need to involve myself in some 'Us vs. Them' mindset. I was raised Southern Baptist in Texas, and segregation and racism was a fact of life when I went to public schools. After integration was achieved, I re-evaluated my 'White Texan Mindset' and simply grew up and left bigotry behind me as best I could. Today, I resist any feelings of it, just as I resist any feelings of homophobia. I will not treat my neighbors with prejudice, and I think that everyone should adopt this attitude. When, about 10 years ago, I found that my own paternal grandfather had been Jewish, I changed my name back to the Lithuanian original. The Holocaust was a very real event, and even two of my grandmother's sisters--Catholic nuns--had been murdered by the Third Reich in Vilnius, along with all of my grandfather's family, no doubt. Leaving behind racism--especially within my own family--is simply a matter of moving where we should all be moving. Concerning Mel, I simply don't think I want to see any more of his work, and I had watched his 'Braveheart' only last week. No more. I would not bother to lobby against him, this is simply a personal issue. There has been too much water under the bridge on this bigotry issue with him, I find him very disappointing. If I hear that he is one day producing a different sort of message, one in the service of true community spirit, then I'll probably watch him again.
They will reject his apology, because it was not needed surrrre.. but we know who we are talking about let squeeze the living life blood from him before we are done, the lets kick him on the way out. How do you like Lebanon???
Alright, calm down everyone. Stop freaking out!!! So what!!! A few crap phrases from an actor is nothing compared to what the Jews in Israel are doing to the Middle East!
Jews are so sensitive. Chill out. Someboby says I hate Jews or they are the cause of the worlds problems and Jews freak out. I mean so what. And yes they are.
page: 1
whos got thin skin then ?Jul 31st, 2006 - 20:08:50
Gee talk about over-reacting .. i dont really get why people who asct so prescious about things are encourged .. sure Mel said some things when he was drunk that he regrets .. that is almost a definition of being drunk isn't it ?
And Events of the day have had a lot of us cursing the TV screen when we see what seems to be collective punishment by the israeli's on the lebanese nation .. its highly emotional stuff and i can understand and forgive mel for his outburst .. it was a minor thing tho unless you want to be all sissy pants about freedom of speech issues .. I guess i dont live in the USA and am not used to the sensitivities there but personally i cannot comprehend why people would be so nasty minded to promote the opinion that Mel Gibson should suffer professionally and financially and socially because of some drunken comments ..
@nd thing i thought was more iomportant was how exactly did the report get leaked out of US Police custody .. is this an offence in i9tself , sure seems to me that someone stole the report , i guess the US has different standards (double standards? ) when it comes to some of these issues
Stealing official police reports allowed but speaking out of turn when drunk not allowed .. ay yi yi .. i think its time some of these folk grew up and accepted apologies when given for understandable acts in difficult times under unusual circumstances .
Report this comment