Hollywood asked to shun Mel Gibson over his drunk-talk

OFFICIAL STATEMENTS

MEL GIBSON

ANTI-DEFAMATION LEAGUE

********************** Statement from Mel Gibson

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 LA 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 behaviour and for that I am truly sorry.

I have battled with the disease of alcoholism for all of my adult life and profoundly regret my horrific relapse.

I apologize for any behaviour unbecoming of me in my inebriated state and have already taken necessary steps to ensure my return to health.

********************** Anti-Defamation League says Mel Gibson's anti-Semitic tirade reveals his true self

Actor's apology 'not good enough'

NEW YORK, July 30 - The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) said actor and director Mel Gibson's apology for hurling anti-Semitic invective at a police officer during his arrest for driving under the influence was "unremorseful and insufficient" and said his tirade "finally reveals his true self."

According to reports, Gibson yelled epithets at the arresting officer, asked him if he was Jewish and stated that "the Jews are responsible for all the wars in the world."

In a statement yesterday, Gibson apologized for saying "despicable things" that he "does not believe to be true."

Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director, issued the following statement:

"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 may well be that the bigotry has been passed from the father to the son. 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." The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world's leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.

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