Reports of anti-semitic comments overshadow Gibson’s apology

MEL GIBSON has apologised for acting “completely out of control” during his recent confrontation with Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies, but he may have trouble living down anti-Semitic comments that he allegedly made at the time.

Gibson was stopped early Friday for allegedly driving his 2006 Lexus at 87 mph (140 kph) along the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu. With a blood alcohol level of 0.12% (the legal limit is 0.08% in California), he was arrested and released several hours later on $5,000 bail.

The arrest was initially reported to have been without incident, but celebrity website TMZ.com on Friday said authorities tried to cover up Gibson’s behaviour and statements to save the star from embarrassment.

The website posted portions of what it called the arresting deputy’s original report, which said Gibson was abusive, shouted anti-Jewish slurs and boasted that he “owned Malibu”.

The TMZ report quoted Gibson as saying, “F..... Jews. The Jews are responsible for all the wars in the world”. He then asked the deputy, “Are you a Jew?”

While many Hollywood stars have recovered from charges of driving under the influence, Gibson’s reported remarks have renewed the charges of anti-Semitism that surrounded his 2004 film The Passion of the Christ.

Gibson’s longtime spokes- man Alan Nierob on Saturday released a statement on his behalf: “After drinking alcohol on Thursday night, I did a number of things that were very wrong and for which I am ashamed.”

The lengthy statement continued: “I apologize to anyone who I have offended. Also, I take this opportunity to apologize to the deputies involved for my belligerent behavior”.

He acknowledged a history of alcoholism and concluded: “(I) have already taken necessary steps to ensure my return to health.”