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."
AAAWWWWW, you are such a sweetie!!
If I got hold of your beer, there wouldn't be any left for you! ;)
LOL! :)
It that called beer-eese?
Alelagerwhiskeywineish
I believe the term is Drunkeneze. Right Toby06?
Go watch Hee Haw!
Depends which bar. Yeah, at Joes it is, but at the fancy schmancy place they call it something else. i wouldn't know, i only frequent dives.
LOL!
ROFL. Max!!!!!
Wow, this thing is still going on?
Hey, Max. How do you spell the raspberry sound?
Pssbbtt? Sbpptt?
I don't know what you said, but I agree with it. Isn't that how it works? Doesn't really matter when you're drunk, it's all good.
Wouldn't have it any other way!!!
Oh man.......
Beer, and pool filter talk with some Seinfeld references plus Hee Haw!!
Cool. If beer is involved, all must be well. ;)
Roger that!!
I'm going with the Calvin and Hobbes spelling -- THBPBPTHPT!
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