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."
whoops...explain that one, my old friend.
It should say I don't MIND... because I don't like in New York anymore, my judging has declined considerably :D
You can't answer why you think Hildy is getting pleasure out of this, so I'll be darned if I'll answer an unknowable question.
I'm sorry it is under such awful circumstances, but I think it is truly cool you were quoted in Variety!
I don't follow the posts these freepers make, so I don't know which opinions you think they have that are so contrary to the majority of freeper's opinions. If there is such a thing as a majority of freeper opinion.
That's what I hate. I hate being told what my opinions are and I really hate being told what the "opinion of FR" is.
This is what I'm talking about. His stupid comments didn't endanger anyone's life. Such rhetoric can lead to violence, but at the moment it's just his stupid opinions. Driving drunk/recklessly should be the primary concern in this case, not finding "enjoyment" in his anti-semitism, which frankly, is pretty odd, Hildy.
Well General Bob, looks like we have at least one thing in common...I'm a recovering drunk as well...and there's one thing I know ... when you drink you say things that are on your mind...things you wouldn't say in polite company. So, Bob, just admit that Gibson blew it...he showed himself for what he is. That doesn't mean he's not a great actor and a great director...but as a person...he's zero in my book.
I think she's loving this attention, is all, and I cannot understand her enjoyment of seeing another human being fall...
We all have our faults.
Right, bob.
Out of control drunks will say stuff that they would never consider saying while cold sober.
It's a fact.
He still did a great job with "The Passion"
regardless if he is a nutcase or not
I think he is just typical Hollywood
I know. I'll just have to color myself confused on this one. LOL
In any event, I'm delighted that Variety didn't chose to quote a freeper who was an apologist for the anti-Semitic remarks or the drunk driving. They easily could have, judging by these threads.
chose s/b choose
Interesting info, Peach. Thanks for watching a station I won't and reporting what was said.
Conservative Christians tend to be the biggest supporters of Israel and the Jews, so that would be a hard argument to make. Yet they chose to make it with the comments two conservative non-Christians and misattributed them.
Like I say, I think Mel Gibson was wrongly built up as a conservative icon at this forum, when the only evidence for that is his passionate catholicism. Which is lousy evidence indeed if anyone has ever heard any pronouncements out of the Vatican on secular matters.
If Variety had used your quotes as Jewish reaction on FR, that would have been accurate. That's my entire point.
You keep using the word "enjoyment." You couldn't be more wrong...I am so disappointed. The quote here in Variety says it all. I stuck up for him. I lost Jewish friends defending him...This isn't enjoyable...knowing that anti-semitism lives and breathes in every corner of America does not give me the giggles. It makes me sad..and I'm not ashamed to say it makes me scared. I don't think you can quite understand that. I put up an Israeli flag last week and was called a vile name. I took it down to protect my family. This is America....it's a part of America I don't enjoy.
Oh, I just experienced one.
Hint: He is a despised freeper who claims to admire a Hitler-hating former Brit PM.
Yup, if anyone knows that it would be me, my friend.
You have foul mouth.
Oh, I know EXACTLY who you're talking about. Now that one I do keep an eye on. Talk about not representing Free Republic :-)
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