Gibson issues second apology

Following last week's drunken outburst, Mel Gibson has again apologised to the Jewish community.

Aug  2 2006

Following his drunken anti-Semitic remarks at the weekend, Mel Gibson has issued a second apology to the Jewish community.

Gibson released a barrage of anti-Semitic abuse to the police officers who arrested him for drink driving last Friday, and in yesterday's statement said:

'There is no excuse, nor should there be any tolerance, for anyone who thinks or expresses any kind of anti-Semitic remark. I want to apologise specifically to everyone in the Jewish community for the vitriolic and harmful words that I said to law enforcement officers the night I was arrested.'

He continued: 'I'm not just asking for forgiveness. I would like to take it one step further and meet with leaders in the Jewish community, with whom I can have a one-on-one discussion to discern the appropriate path for healing.

'I am in the process of understanding where those vicious words came from during that drunken display, and I am asking the Jewish community, whom I have personally offended, to help me on my journey through recovery ... I know there will be many in that community who will want nothing to do with me, that would be understandable. But I pray that door is not forever closed.'

Reaction to Gibson's comments has been mixed in Hollywood thus far. Walt Disney Studios announced that 'Apocalypto', the director's forthcoming feature about the end of Mayan civilization, will be released as planned on December 8. However ABC has shelved plans to make a TV series with Gibson's Icon Productions about the Holocaust. With commentators on both sides of the argument adding their two cents worth, expect this one to run and run!

• 
•