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."
Nice profile page...
Neither of them should have been used as an example of Freepers either.
Thank goodness you were quoted for this article and not one of his apologists making FR look like it's composed of a bunch of nutjobs.
BTW, on MSNBC, Tucker Carlson interviewed a couple of different reporters at 6:00 about this matter. Both reporters said there were other instances of Gibson being an anti-Semite but people brushed the reports off; they don't think it will be as easy this time. Oh, and he'd been pulled over for DWI a few other times too.
Hildy, I am a sober alcoholic of 20 years and a Christian.
And I say to you, "There but for the grace of God go I."
I do not understand your enjoyment, here.
My enjoyment is that an anti-semite has been outed. His alcoholism is secondary.
Come over here!
Thanks. :)
When did us Christians appoint Mel Gibson as
the poster boy for our faith?
I don't remember that happening
I agree with you...they have used this to disqualify "The Passion" it has nothing to do with the man
check it out!
check it out!
Good grief!
Actually, that gives you a gold star in my book.
You're not bowing to some frigging moon rock and you're not an atheist.
Close enough.
Peace.
geez...go suck a lemon.
I don't know; I'm sort of glad that an anti-Semite has been outed. Aren't you?
OK then..back at ya.
Oh boo hoo...maybe there should be a test now on who can be a member of FreeRepublic. Go to hell.
That's not what I said. I don't think you and veronica should be considered as a sample of Free Republic thinking.
try Krehbiel spelling...A very famous name in those parts.
And your quote slandered the forum in the broadest and most unfair terms. Frankly, it's not something I'd be proud of.
I've got the link. I went straight to your comment and not the thread.
EXCELLENT!!!!
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