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."
Having fun? There's a headache in the morning.
Did I ever say he was off the hook for his drunk driving...he'll be punished.
Where are people calling for criminal prosecution for a hate crime?
Quite a bit of arrogance going on with these vanity threads, I see. Prancing egos on parade.
Spot on!
Yeah, no "nutjob" posts on these threads, nosireee...
;-)
AMEN and in spades!
I just thought of something....people here at FR weren't so sensitive to the disease of alcoholism when Patrick Kennedy had his little run in with some traffic cones a few months back. What a bunch of hypocrites!
Do it for me too.
Too much nuttiness on these threads for me to know what's serious or not.
Well, I just know that I'm really interested in freeper reaction to the story more than the story itself, if that makes sense :-)
Oh wait, I didn't ping here, I better RUN FOR MY LIFE.
I don't quite get your displeasure here. My impression is that a considerable number of posters regret their prior defense that of Gibson to the effect that Gibson's portrayal of the circumstances of Christ's crucification did not evidence anti-Jew sensibilities on his part, and that the charge was unfair. That strikes me as a reasonable response. Would you please help me with this, when you get time?
I'm so sorry. I've read so many ridiculous claims, exactly like yours, that I wasn't sure you were kidding. But I was pretty stunned, coming from you, so I should have known you were sarcastic.
BTW - we've talked about this subject (Gibson) before? I'm terrible at remembering freeper names and who I posted what to; sorry.
Exactly, I'm not feeding on MG's problems; I'm here for the tapdancing performances.
But since that poster tried to imply that it was a Canadian, until it was beaten to a bloody pulp over posting what "she" does, as a Canadian, it then went into a full tirade, saying that "she" really is an AMERICAN.
It took longer, but after years of flying under as a male, "she" then went crazed on a thread and said that "she" is a "SHE"!
What the truth is, I don't know, but I'm telling you everything I know about this poster's history. And WHY he/she/it is allowed to stay here, is beyond me!
ROFL. It is fascinating. I try not to come to these threads, but I'm seeing a side of human nature that intrigues me.
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