Of course, nothing that Mel has done is excusable. He deserves his punishment, and the excoriation of the public for his antisemetism. He's going to get to it not just in court, but in the court of public opinion, where the money comes from to see his films.
My point is that I've made a mess of my life, too, and at a time when most men are supposed to know better. I paid a very heavy price for my stupidity and bad behavior. Mel is going to pay, too. I just hope that he reforms. Maybe he will, maybe he won't. It's up to Mel now. As a result, I pity him more than anything else - which is actually one of the most insulting things you can say about another person.