Mel Gibson Breaks His Silence Over Leaked Rants, Denies Bigotry

By John Mitchell Posted Apr 22nd 2011 09:56AM

Mel Gibson has finally opened up about the explosive audio recordings between himself and ex-girlfriend Oksana Grigorieva that leaked onto the Internet last summer, inspiring a backlash many believe has killed the Oscar winner's career.

"I've never treated anyone badly or in a discriminatory way based on their gender, race, religion or sexuality -- period. I don't blame some people for thinking that though, from the garbage they heard on those leaked tapes, which have been edited," Gibson tells Deadline. "You have to put it all in the proper context of being in an irrationally, heated discussion at the height of a breakdown, trying to get out of a really unhealthy relationship. It's one terribly, awful moment in time, said to one person, in the span of one day and doesn't represent what I truly believe or how I've treated people my entire life."

According to interviewer Allison Hope Weiner "there were no pre-set conditions, no topic off limits and no ground rules" for the sit-down, though Gibson was legally prohibited from discussing certain topics due to ongoing litigation. Gibson openly discussed the tapes, being dropped from 'The Hangover 2' because the cast didn't want to work with him, the support he received from Whoopi Goldberg and Jodie Foster and the prospect of never acting again.

Asked if he ever thought the hate-filled conversations would end up on the Internet, Gibson sighed and shook his head, saying, "Who anticipates being recorded? Who anticipates that? Who could anticipate such a personal betrayal?"

Though the actor was unable to discuss the terms of the various agreements he's reached with Grigorieva, he did comment on the no contest plea to charges of misdemeanor battery that resulted in him receiving three years probation and one year of domestic violence counseling.

"I was allowed to end the case and still maintain my innocence. It's called a West plea and it's not something that prosecutors normally allow. But in my case, the prosecutors and the judge agreed that it was the right thing to do," the actor says. "I could have continued to fight this for years and it probably would have come out fine. But I ended it for my children and my family. This was going to be such a circus. You don't drag other people in your life through this sewer needlessly, so I'll take the hit and move on."

Gibson insists repeatedly that his is not a violent, racist, sexist or homophobic person, but rather the tapes were recorded at a particularly tumultuous time in his life -- "at the height of a breakdown," he says. Interestingly, a corresponding take on the actor was presented in a lengthy Vanity Fair profile late last year. Peter Biskind, the article's author, indicated that "none of the colleagues and associates I spoke to [for the Vanity Fair piece] noticed any indications of anti-Semitism, racism, gay-bashing, or spousal abuse."

"If ['Lethal Weapon' director Richard] Donner thought he was working with a real anti-Semite, he never would have had anything to do with Gibson. That's serious stuff with him," production designer Paul Sylbert, who worked with Gibson on Donner's 'Conspiracy Theory,' told Biskind. Added 'The Patriot' producer Peter Winther, "[Producer] Dean Devlin is a Filipino Jew from the Bronx, a total mutt. He and Mel became fast friends."

Gibson's issues seem rooted in a drinking problem that has periodically plagued the actor for the entirety of his career. "He told me that when he drank this whole other character came out, and it was very self-destructive," Dean Devlin told Vanity Fair. The magazine presented a portrait of a loose-cannon with a troubled private life, problems with substance abuse and complex relationship with his father.

The actor also addressed his 2006 DUI arrest, during which Gibson made numerous anti-Semitic comments to police officers, with Deadline. Hope Weiner asked Gibson, "When you were pulled over for the DUI in Malibu, weren't you separated from your wife?"

Gibson responded simply: "The next day."

Following the leak of his rants against Grigorieva, few spoke out in the actor's defense. His 'Maverick' co-star and director of his latest film 'The Beaver,' Jodie Foster, as well as Whoopi Goldberg, were among those who publicly supported the actor.

Of Foster, Gibson says, "We became fast friends and we maintained that over the years. We've both had our different little journeys. It's untraditional. But there are a lot of things we have in common. ... You couldn't get two people who are more diametrically opposed on everything that they think about religion and politics than what we do. But there is a core of goodness there that's undeniable and I just love her."

He has similar words of praise for Goldberg: "I knew Whoopi before she was Whoopi. And, as she's great and I always liked her and loved her. I like her even more now because she got it."

Gibson does, however, understand why so few came forward with words of encouragement. "That doesn't bother me. Why would anyone want to speak publicly and drag themselves through this crap? It seems to add fuel to the fire," he tells Hope Weiner. "Very many people are supportive, of course, but you find out who your friends are. I have many friends and they've been great."

He also seems at peace with the controversy that erupted when castmembers from 'The Hangover 2' refused to work with him, leading director Todd Phillips to drop Gibson from the film and cast Liam Neeson in a cameo role that has since, due to Neeson's inability to make it to reshoots, been recast to feature director-actor Nick Cassavetes ('The Notebook'). He ever sang the director's praises.

"You have to let that go. I sat here and talked to [director] Todd [Phillips] about it. I like Todd. How could you not like Todd? He's smart and he's gifted and so are the other people in the film. It's okay. You just have to let that go," Gibson says. "You just move on and go okay. I'm not greatly offended by it. It seemed like a good idea at the time and it went south."

Gibson filmed his latest movie, 'The Beaver,' before the tapes were leaked, and as the well-received film's release date nears, the question of whether it will save his career seems to matter to everyone in Hollywood except the actor himself. "I don't care if I don't act anymore," he told Hope Weiner.

For the entire interview, visit Deadline.

Tags: mel gibson

Comments

(108)

Friday 22 April

By Chris

Highest Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

Actors are people just like you and me. Everyone has at one time in their life screwed up. Drank a little too much and said or did something they would never do if they were sober. The world didn't stop turning, the heavens didn't poor sulfur down upon us. Rap stars shoot each other and people still buy the Cds,Politicians cheat on their wives in office and we still cheer when they walk on stage. Get over it, take out a loan to go to the movies, have a coke and smile and STFU !!!

By JEN

High Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

Let he who is without sin...... yeah you get it. Everyone including myself are hypocrite, we all say one thing and think another, we have all had "racist" "sexist" thoughts. I like Mel, as an actor I cna't say personally cause I don't know him and neither do any of you.

By barb

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Still love you, Mel. Wouldn't want you for a husband, but love watching you act.

By GeraldR5

Gibson is far from perfect, I don't believe he's nearly as bad as his vicious, devious and money-grubbing ex-wife and the media make him out to be. He has always seemed to be a straight-shooter, and seems to be once again in this article. The fact that Whoopie and Jodie speak out for him impresses the hell out of me. He has to be a special guy before these two would risk their careers by standing up for him. Besides, what kind of person would tape and release personal conversations???

By Donna

Mel I still will watch your movies, everyone has break down moments, we really dont know what happened and frankly I think whatever her name is she deserved it. She looks like a b****

By Jeanann

Low Ranked Vote down Vote up Report this

Mel is a pig. It would take a lot of editing to change those rants showing what a sweet, caring fellow he is. The guy is a jerk.

By donnascasa

Mel Gibson is a great actor. As for his personal life that should have remained his personal life. As for his rants, I can only say that a rant or two has fallen from my mouth and I am sooo glad that no one taped it or put it in print!! In the heat of a divorce many things are said that when it is over one wishes they had not said. I hope he continues with his acting as there are few really really great actors left and Mel Gibson is one of the.

By angelo z

in my opinion, there aren't many movies i haven't seen in which mel gibson has been in, some several times. i honestly don't care about the things that go on in his personal life because they are really none of my business. because these people are in the limelight, every move they make seems to be recorded and i understand that on a cettain level because people are nosey about celebrity dirty laundry. i want to see him making movies, i well not stop watching films he is in and films he will make, and look forward to many more. he is an excellent actor and puts his whole sole into his work. thank you mel, your the best.

By Fred

"...not a violent, racist, sexist or homophobic person, but rather the tapes were recorded at a particularly tumultuous time in his life -- "at the height of a breakdown" Yeah,same as Adolph.

By dee

Gibson is a jerk, and he knows it!

By GET REAL

When he's drunk you see the real thoughts in his head. He is an anti semetic bastard like his father and i will never see another movie of his again!

By MB

MEL IS AN ANGRY , HATEFUL , LITTLE MAN , DESPITE HIS WEALTH . HE PROVES MONEY DOESN'T BUY HAPPINESS FOR EVERYONE . HIS SELF LOVE SMOTHERS ALL ELSE IN HIS LIFE .

By Lynda

There are times in my life, when I was younger and have too much to drink, that if someone recorded me I would have been in trouble. I am on Team Mel...and shame on oskana for taping and releasing that stuff.....

By David Wolfe

Its funny how we think we know someone from their bad times and watching them in movies. I don't know the man ,love the movies and can truthfully say back when i drank i would never want someone taping me.

By faithgirl

Mel Gibson has more talent than anyone in the industry.

By Ammy

I like his movies. He is a great actor and he is a human being.I hate how dirty and manipulative yellow press can easily ruin someone's career. I think the fact that someone refused working with him actually made that actor look much worse that Mel.
He is imperfect, but he is brilliant. I will watch his movies, as long as they are good.

By malsdotter

Interesting the way alcohol and/or stress put words in Mel Gibson's mouth that he later denies he means or views that he later denies he holds. Personally, I don't believe one word he says in excuse or apology. And .. umm .. no 'editing' or 'out of context' nonsense excuses that those are his words spoken in his voice .. he SAID those things. Nope -- no sale, Mel. You have gotten caught now many a time expressing yourself, and the alcohol and stress simply allowed you to finally do it. The most honest thing you said here was "who expects to be recorded?"

Saturday 23 April

By Mke Gallagher

I still like Mel Gibson - as a person and as an actor/director. He has an alcohol problem that I hope he can get ahead of. Also, I would like to see him reconcile with his first wife and rediscover his Roman Catholic religion which was such a positive part of his life in the past. Your 2nd marriage with so similar to Paul McCartney's - both of you married "gold diggers" that were not interested in anything but the fame and fortune. First wives are always your real true love - Mel - you can still get that back. Best wishes,
MLG

By liz chavez

Mel is a good actor who got caught up with a dirty girl and that is sad.

By Steve

Poor old drunk has been bigot....Go back to Oz! Oh, sorry they don't like you there either!

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