The Gibson Affair: A Defining Hollywood Moment

AP/Yahoo.com ^ | Aug 1,2006 | Arianna Huffington

[soccermom]

"I don't get why so many FReepers stubbornly refuse to believe that this guy is a complete lunatic." I think "lunatic" is a pejorative term. I do, seriously, think he is mentally ill --- bipolar to be exact -- but that doesn't make him an evil, hateful person. It makes him ill. As for your characterization of what he said about his wife, that was a huge stretch. He spoke glowingly of his wife and only said that is what his strict interpretation of his faith teaches. I dare say half the freepers in this forum think all Catholics and Mormons are going to hell, based on their strict interpretations.

[VictoryGal]

Oh fer cryin out loud. I'm not bashing Mel. I hope he gets help, and I hope he takes responsibility for his actions.

I always get annoyed with people who decry drunk drivers as long as they're people they don't admire. Your excuse-making for Mr. Gibson isn't helping anyone.

[spanalot]

You seem oblivious to the fact that Mel has been the object of a 3 year witch hunt - for making a Christian movie.

And it appears that despite his charity work for the Sheriffs dept, he has been "pulled over" several times for
"speeding" - something that everyone does everyday.

And now they finally got him after having 3 drinks and when Mel realized his worst fears of the last 3 years, of course he flipped out.

Hollyweird Uber Alles.

[VictoryGal]

> And it appears that despite his charity work for the Sheriffs dept, he has been "pulled over" several times for
"speeding" - something that everyone does everyday.

Fact #1: Everybody drifts 5-10 MPH over the speed limit. Mel regularly goes 20-30MPH over, which is freakin dangerous. No big conspiracy-- police are going to go after those.

Fact #2: Mel was measurably drunk and abusive to the police who pulled him over. If the average Joe did that, he'd be thrown under the jail.

Is Hollyweird using this as an excuse to over-punish a conservative? Sure. Other celebs have continued careers after having rehab-worthy issues and run-ins with the law.

But was the law enforcement action appropriate to Mel's actions? Absolutely, and probably too lenient until now.

[Khankrumthebulgar]

They want his blood. If Gibson had died in a car Accident as a result of his inebriation and impaired abilities we would have none of this. The hatred of the Jewish Left for those who are Christians is so obvious here. Gibson has not sent money to Terrorists who are Jews real enemies.

Christians and Conservatives are the best friends that Jews have. And for some insane and self destructive reason Leftist Jews take delight in bashing Christians. How crazy and stupid are they?

[soccermom]

I'm not even talking about the Leftist Jews. I'm talking about conservative, presumably Christian, people in this forum. It seems clear to me that much of the piling-on in this forum has more to do with his criticism of Bush and the WOT than it has to do with Gibson's words about Jews. They see a way to bring Gibson down and are doing so --- not because of any moral outrage but because of a desire to get back at Gibson for his straying from the GOP.

[spanalot]

I'm glad to see this thread moved to the gossip section where it belongs. The biggest mistake faithful Jews ever made is siding with Leftist Hollywierd in Mel Bashing.

Face it! After being pulled over "repeatedly" for doing something that everone does, The wolves finally caught Mel after he had three or four drinks and they have their pound of flesh. Do not doubt for one minute this is notconsidered "Payback" for Mel's making and succeeding with the Passion - a beautiful Christian film.

And how wonderful that this is alienating Christians everywhere that will line up in GREATER NUMBERS to see Mel's next film. ("But the deputy already said Mel's career is ruined". I don't think so.)

Just what we need while we have all these brave soldiers in harms way in the middle east.

[soccermom]

I think if Gibson's career is based on the Box Office, he'll be fine. He will continue to draw big audiences. However, I don't know that he can survive without the backing of producers, actors, etc. within the industry. It remains to be seen whether or not they will do business with him. ABC has already backed out of a deal. Gibson can probably afford to go it alone -- that was a gamble he took with The Passion that paid off handsomely. But I don't know how long he can afford to go it alone or if he would want to.

[soccermom]

If you want to argue that enemies of Gibson are taking glee in his downfall, I agree. If you want to argue he is being held to a tougher standard because he is a conservative Christian, I agree. But the fact is he did these things. Now, I happen to believe he did them in a state of mania and, as such, people should understand that was not "him" -- not a reflection of who he truly is. It doesn't excuse what he did, but it explains it.