The Passion of the Man

Zap2It.com | July 31, 2006

Mel Gibson

Mel Gibson apologizes for remarks during DUI arrest

The comments Mel Gibson allegedly uttered during a DUI arrest on Friday morning have landed him in hot water with the Jewish community.

The Oscar-winning actor has issued a fairly lengthy apology for his belligerent behavior, which also included the angry comment, "F***ing Jews. The Jews are responsible for all the wars in the world."

"After drinking alcohol on Thursday night, I did a number of things that were very wrong and for which I am ashamed," says Gibson in a statement. "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."

During the arrest, the filmmaker also allegedly tried to flee the scene and then threatened the arresting officer with revenge for his treatment, saying, "You mother f****r. I'm going to f*** you."

"I apologize to anyone who I have offended. Also, I take this opportunity to apologize to the deputies involved for my belligerent behavior," he continues. "The arresting officer was just doing his job and I feel fortunate that I was apprehended before I caused injury to any other person."

Gibson was pulled over with a 0.12 percent blood-alcohol level, significantly higher than California's 0.08 legal limit. The actor has had a history with alcoholism, which was supposedly kicked with AA meetings, but according to TMZ.com, he's been pulled over for DUI's twice before, but let go because of his celebrity status. Gibson acknowledges that his actions early Friday were the result of his addiction.

"I disgraced myself and my family with my behavior and for that I am truly sorry," he states. "I have battled with the disease of alcoholism for all of my adult life and profoundly regret my horrific relapse. (I) have already taken necessary steps to ensure my return to health."

For many in the Jewish community, the apology is too little, too late, especially after his controversial film, "The Passion of the Christ," which was accused of inciting anti-Semitic sentiment for the crucifixion of Jesus at the hands of Jews.

TMZ.com also reports that authorities have tried to cover up Gibson's behavior by encouraging that the original police report be locked away and a "sanitized" report written up that didn't include the star's specific behaviors or comments. Sheriff Lee Baca insists that his department is handling the case professionally.

"Our job is not to [focus] on what he said. It's to establish his blood-alcohol level when he was driving and proceed with the case," states Baca. "Trying someone on rumor and innuendo is no way to run an investigation, at least one with integrity."

Gibson won the best picture and best director Oscars for 1995's "Braveheart." His other screen credits include the "Mad Max" and "Lethal Weapon" films, "Maverick," "Ransom," "Payback," "What Women Want," Signs" and the controversial "The Passion of the Christ."

His next film, "Apocalypto," is an adventure story set 500 years in the past and will be presented in one of the ancient Mayan dialects. The film, about a young man who flees the kingdom when he's chosen to be a human sacrifice, will be released in December.