Posted on 07/31/2006 4:43:47 PM PDT by Hildy
On Saturday, Gibson released a statement apologizing:
"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 L.A. 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." <> He went on in the statement to say that he has had substance abuse problems in the past. "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," Gibson said.
The ADL's Foxman, however, was unmoved by the apology. In his own statement, released Sunday, he said, "Mel Gibson's apology is unremorseful and insufficient. It's not a proper apology because it does not go to the essence of his bigotry and his anti-Semitism. His tirade finally reveals his true self and shows that his protestations during the debate over his film 'The Passion of the Christ,' that he is such a tolerant, loving person, were a sham. ... It is unfortunate that it took an excess of booze and an encounter with a traffic cop to reveal what was really in his heart and mind. We would hope that Hollywood now would realize the bigot in their midst and that they will distance themselves from this anti-Semite."
And there were signs that even Gibson's conservative Christian fans were not moved by the response. Reaction in the popular conservative online forum FreeRepublic.com, was also largely negative. In response to the statement, one commenter posted, "Gibson showed his true colors last night during his arrest. I argued with you about 'The Passion of the Christ' and his portrayal of Jews. I stood up for Gibson to you and a number of my Jewish friends. Now, I'm sorry I did."
Another, responding to hopeful comments that Gibson can still change his views, wrote, "Lots of denial going on here. It's difficult when your hero falls so far."
They were still here in '97 and '98 and some are here still.
So you are the judge as to who should be considered representative of FreeRepublic. Only Christians need apply....is that it?
You're judged anyway, whether you're prepared for it or not and GOD will have the final say-so.
What he said and did WILL be remembered forever...bank on it.
LOL
But they're a lot quieter now.
Agreed, this will NOT help his next movie which IMO was not going anywhere anyway.
That's not you either, Hildy.
Media Inquiries: kristinn@bellatlantic.net 202 309-1589
Tsk tsk.....no judging allowed. Hildy is free to say whatever she wants and no one is permitted to complain.
But, first, some good news ~ FOX says Fidel Castro temporarily relinquished power to his brother while he undergoes intestinal surgery.
Really? I was looking forward to it.
Tell us more....
What Gibson said was disgraceful and disgusting
But if it wasn't for him making his movie, Passion of the Christ ...Most of Hollywood and most of the media wouldn't have batted an eyelash over his comments
You DO remember the DRUDGE WARS, don't you? That was REALLY ugly anti-Semitism at its worst.
BTW...I too am glad that you are still here and sorry to hear of your terrible accident.
..I said something similar (as I see many other Freepers have as well)
Don't change your plans because of me...
I don't think this is some blockbuster though.
Would it be terrible of me, to pray he dies?
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