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."
Tapes can be altered.
I suppose you think some Saudi/Egyptian dudes did 9/11
I've got a bridge to sell you.
But hurry up please, it's targeted next week.
Please tell Ms. Mamzelle that here at FR it's proper etiquette to ping someone if you're talking about them in a post and it's not something I just made up out of the top of my head.
Yep. They hate that they can't say what they feel without being bashed. They go on about the "PC culture" and "thought police" and "how dare someone not conform to society's norms".
That gag they are forced to wear chafes them ya know...
Variety.
There's a sitcom there.
Bring in some of our darker posters, I'll see if Oprah has a slot open.
Yep. Alcohol makes the gag come off.
Wow--talk about your vino and your veritas...! So much truth in one day.
I thought that was "Tequila makes her clothes fall off . . . ."
I'd like to know when conservatives started believing in criminal prosecution for hate speech??
I think what Mel said was disgusting .. And the public will let him know what they think of what he said
But the calls by some for criminal prosecution of what he said are also scary
There's a sitcom there.
Bring in some of our darker posters, I'll see if Oprah has a slot open.
I don't know what you're talking about...but I've already been on the Oprah show...in 1994.
Yes, and nobody here would be defending him if he did not make that movie.
Had I known your were on Oprah, I'd have used Geraldo.
This nonsensical *issing contest is more up the line of the Cincinatti mayor guy, but I forget his name. Running for something else. I've admitted to not being a TV person.
I think it's great you got a mention.
You have to admit, FR could make a great sitcom.
Who is calling for criminal prosecution for what he said?
I've read an awful lot of these threads and I personally haven't seen anyone advocate that.
Think about this: Every time Sen. Byrd's name is mentioned on FR it's with the word Sheets in the sentence somewhere. He was a racist decades ago and freepers aren't willing to let it go. Gibson is an anti-Semite and far too many freepers are willing to forgive it.
Mostly, the anti-semites are complaining about their gags chafing, they don't come out and make anti-semitic posts.
You are kidding, right? You think the cops have altered the tapes of Gibson?
And of course, Gibson's publicist and press agent have clearly listened to numerous news reports about Gibson making anti-Semitic statements and if he didn't really make them, his publicist and press agent are just remaining silent?
Tell me you're kidding.
Okay....I'll go with that, then. :-)
I agree that if Mel is anti semetic, and it appears he is, that it is great that it is out.....in that same vein, I think it is somewhat pitiful that some take pleasure in his misery and pontificate and post threads over and over on the issue....WE GET IT already....
You know, the most interesting part of the article was the apparent characterization of Gibson as a conservative. Based on what? His anti-Bush statements? His oppostion to the Iraq war?
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