'Protection squad' for Gibson's Jesus (Security detail hired for James Caviezel)

World Net Daily ^ | 3-8-04

[truthandlife]

James Caviezel, who plays Jesus in Mel Gibson's blockbuster "The Passion of the Christ," has reportedly been assigned a security detail to protect him.

"There are some crazy people out there and everything is being done to protect Mel and Jim from physical attack," a source close to executives of Newmarket Films told the London Express.

The paper said Caviezel, a devout Catholic, was being guarded by a "protection squad" amid fears of attacks by "religious fanatics."

According to the report, a mob of protesters has already screamed "anti-Semite" and hurled a bucket of lamb's blood at Gibson in a New York street. Charges of anti-Semitism dogged the filmmaker for months prior to the movie's Feb. 25 opening.

The Express reports Caviezel, 35, and his wife, Kerri, are protected whenever they leave home. Studio executives reportedly are concerned the film's principal figures could be targets for assassination.

Caviezel, who has 20 movies to his credit, told the London paper: "Sadly, any threats have to be taken seriously. It seems a terrible irony to me that this movie has spawned anger and violence. The idea that actors need minders because they portray a man whose mission was to spread the love of God is awful."

As of yesterday, "The Passion of the Christ" had taken in $213,888,740 in U.S. ticket sales and likely is on its way to becoming the highest grossing R-rated film in history.

[Dataman]

A couple of the detail are fishermen moonlighting during the off season.

Yes indeed. One was a bearded character with a short sword.

[Campion]

Uh, I wonder how many in the squad?

Twelve ... but one of them is a traitor.

[contessa machiaveli]

this is shameful, the jails are full of vicious and violent jews. when the crime rate goes up, you can be sure the jews are the perps.

if this did occur to cavaziel or mel it's absolutely shameful, but i live in NY and haven't heard about it. could it be an urban legend?

[presidio9]

When did this happen, what street was it and why wasn't it posted here?

Because it happened to a Catholic. On the other hand, if someone had dumped blood on Abe Foxman...

[Snuffington]

Huh. I did hear something about irresponsible statements leading to violence, and calls for shame and censorship. But I'm pretty sure this wasn't the persecution the media were loudly predicting.

Paging Abe Foxman - the viscious hate monger you loudly condemn is staring back at you in the mirror when you shave.

[Alouette]

Because it happened to a Catholic.

You think Hannity would have mentioned it on his show.

[Antoninus]

Seriously, I don't believe there is some gang of marauding guys in funny hats and hair stalking Gibson and Co. Other than Abe Foxman and the ADL who made a huge deal out of The Passion so they could generate more donations to ADL.

I haven't seen too many Orthodox Jews protesting this movie. Most of the critics are secular Jews, who much like secular Christians, hate the movie for the pious feelings it might arouse.

[N. Theknow]

BTW, where in NEW YORK do you go to buy a bucket of lamb's blood?

At the "Mutton for Punishment" shop.

[scan58]

It was

[scan58]

Still doesn't show it's truth, btw. Just that dead was listening to the radio and heard something about it.

[freekitty]

Religious fanatics?

[k2blader]

Will do.

[wimpycat]

Well, isn't that special...

[presidio9]

Somehow I doubt it was really a "bucket" of lamb's blood.

[DaughterOfAnIwoJimaVet]

Me too.

[ambrose]

hmmm.

[Shermy]

Danger from protestors? This actor was the one struck by lightning.

Anyway, it jibes with Mel's well-honed persecution complex.

He's a brilliant showman, he should be a Hollywood executive. There's an opening at Disney reportedly.

[Tempest]

Sad truly sad. I wonder why things like this must go on?

[Tempest]

Your observations are rather true. The movie the Passions of the Christ hasn't appeared to of incited any anti-semetic sentiments but it sure has stirred a lot of anti-christian fervor. Rahther ironic I must say.

[Askel5]

that was hysterical. outstanding.