Hollywood actor-director Mel Gibson has spoken about his antisemitic comments, which he made on Jewish people during a 2006 arrest, calling it ‘an unfortunate incident’.
The 60-year-old star was taken into custody for driving under the influence (DUI) and police recorded a number of antisemitic remarks, including his belief that ‘the Jews are responsible for all the wars in the world.’
While promoting his new film ‘Hacksaw Ridge’, Gibson told Variety in an interview, ‘It was an unfortunate incident. I was loaded and angry and arrested. I was recorded illegally by an unscrupulous police officer who was never prosecuted for that crime.’
“And then it was made public by him for profit, and by members of we’ll call it the press. So, not fair. I guess as who I am, I’m not allowed to have a nervous breakdown, ever.” The star believed that it was an unfair turn of events in his life.
“I’ve never discriminated against anyone or done anything that sort of supports that reputation. And for one episode in the back of a police car on eight double tequilas to sort of dictate all the work, life’s work and beliefs and everything else that I have and maintain for my life is really unfair.”
Gibson said he had already apologised for his behaviour many times and he thinks it is high time that people should get over it. “Ten years have gone by. I’m feeling good. I’m sober, all of that kind of stuff, and for me, it’s a dim thing in the past.
“But others bring it up, which kind of I find annoying because I don’t understand why after 10 years it’s any kind of issue. Surely if I was really what they say I was, some kind of hater, there’d be evidence of actions somewhere. There has never been.”