Entertainment

Robert Downey Jr. Pleads for Hollywood to Forgive Mel Gibson

Hollywood needs to forgive Mel Gibson and let him work, actor Robert Downey Jr. chided a star-studded audience during a recent awards acceptance speech:

Gibson presented an American Cinematheque Award to Downey, who revealed to the crowd that he had the troubled actor-director onstage for a reason:

“I humbly ask that you join me, unless you are completely without sin—in which case you picked the wrong f**king industry—in forgiving my friend his trespasses, offering him the same clean slate that you have me, and allowing him to continue his great and ongoing contribution to our collective art without shame.”

Robert Downy Jr. Asks Hollywood to Forgive Mel Gibson

Downey and Gibson (who costarred in the 1990 film “Air America”) both struggled with substance abuse and multiple scrapes with the law, but Downey revealed during his at-once funny and poignant speech that Gibson greatly helped the now-clean and sober “Iron Man” star when he was down and out and practically blackballed by the industry:

“When I couldn’t get sober, he told me not to give up hope, and he urged me to find my faith. It didn‘t have to be his or anyone else’s as long as it was rooted in forgiveness. And I couldn’t get hired, so he cast me in a lead of a movie that was actually developed for him. And he kept a roof over my head, and he kept food on the table. And most importantly he said that if I accepted responsibility for my wrongdoings, and if I embraced that part of my soul that was ugly—hugging the cactus, he calls it—he said that if I hugged the cactus long enough I would become a man of some humility and that my life would take on a new meaning, and I did, and it worked.

“All he asked in return was that someday I’d help the next guy in some small way. It‘s reasonable to assume that at the time he didn’t imagine that the next guy would be him or that someday was tonight.”

Gibson was atop the cinematic mountain after the commercial success of his self-financed blockbuster, “The Passion of the Christ,” in 2004. But just two years later he was arrested for drunk driving in Malibu, making infamous anti-Semitic statements during the traffic stop. Soon after he divorced his wife of 26 years then took up with the younger Oksana Grigorieva, only to see that relationship come crashing down over allegations of spousal battery. During the custody case for their 23-month-old daughter Lucia, Gibson said he “slapped Oksana with an open hand in an attempt to bring her back to reality.”

Gibson’s career has been in a tailspin ever since. He was dropped from a cameo role in the comedy “The Hangover 2” after complaints from cast and crew, and critics savaged his comeback performance in “The Beaver.” Gibson is now developing a movie about a second-century Jewish warrior, Judah Maccabee, which outraged members of the Jewish community.

“It would be a travesty to have his story told by one who has no respect and sensitivity for other people’s religious views,” Abraham Foxman of the Anti-Defamation League told the Hollywood Reporter.

Downey, however, declared to the Beverly Hills audience last Friday that Gibson has “hugged the cactus long enough!“ He added that Gibson ”taught my many things, and I will use the ‘C’ word — courage. There’s nothing so much wrong with him. Of course you have to worry about the guy making the judgment here. He’s a good dude with a good heart.”

Comments (44)

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  • United States of America
    Posted on October 22, 2011 at 2:06am

    “He was dropped from a cameo role in the comedy “The Hangover 2” after complaints from cast and crew,”

    You kidding me?? Do a quick search of the cast of Hangover 2. Who are these people? THESE are the “actors” that have a problem with Mel Gibson? Big mistake. When Mel Gibson makes yet another Oscar caliber movie, these unknown rats from the “movie” Hangover 2 will be doing commercials for Burger King and Trojans vibrator.

    Report Post »  
  • michelle56
    Posted on October 22, 2011 at 1:24am

    I am Jewish and I admit to being very upset when Mel made those drunken remarks. I was upset, but I certainly did believe all of the terrible comments and attacks that dogged him after the incident. Then the girlfriend released that recording. I changed my opinion once I listened to it closely, which I encourage all to do. I am a Social Worker by profession. Counseling is an aspect of my work. Listening is very important. It was clear to me that the woman was manipulating Gibson. He was worked up and angry to be sure. But what took place just prior to her turning that recorder on? I suggest that she got him good and mad. Then she takes a calm tone as he is telling her to go to — and other things. She set him up and recorded what was good for her. Additionally, Gibson’s affect during his fight with her concerned me. I actually wrote his production company, just to suggest that he get a solid evaluation. Between his inability to calm it down during the fight with the girlfriend and his anti-Semitic rant, I wonder if he had some kind of neurological event. A small stroke could cause everything the world witnessed. I think for certain, that he needs our prayers and our friendship. I am definately with Robert!

    Report Post »  
  • FreedomWitness
    Posted on October 22, 2011 at 1:07am

    Which movie was developed for Gibson that Downey starred in?

    Report Post » FreedomWitness  
  • This_Individual
    Posted on October 22, 2011 at 12:28am

    I was in Hollywood today. If I would’ve asked anybody about forgiving Mel, I‘m sure they would’ve told me that they didn’t give a darn. Maybe “Hollywood” should move so that we can have Hollywood, CA back.

    Joking aside, this is pretty sad.

    Report Post »  
  • ZengaPA65
    Posted on October 21, 2011 at 11:45pm

    http://youtu.be/sSuyCKlxvU8

    Report Post » ZengaPA65  
  • Dadwithallthecoolstuff
    Posted on October 21, 2011 at 8:35pm

    There is hope for Hollywierd.The list of Good is far outwieghed by the bad but Gibson,Downey,Voight,Estevez….these actors I will pay to see,some others,never.

    Report Post » Dadwithallthecoolstuff  
  • DBF999
    Posted on October 21, 2011 at 7:21pm

    Notice the hypocrites that will banish Gibson yet embrace the idiots that protest on Wall Street and hurl Anti-Semitic comments around constantly!!!!

    Report Post »  
    • your sensei
      Posted on October 22, 2011 at 11:39am

      What about the conservative hypocrites who embrace that anti-Semite Billy Graham?

      Report Post » your sensei  
  • Partygirl
    Posted on October 21, 2011 at 7:19pm

    Robert Downey is a truly good man. No one is perfect. He had problems that he over came. He admits what Mel Gibson did for him. That shows to me that Mel Gibson is a very good man. Since I have known very good people who happened to be alcoholics, they sometimes do or say things that sober they would not even think, yet say or do. It is amazing what Hollywood puts up with and tolerates and lives, who are they to judge? There are not many of them who are guiltless or of good character. Sarandon, Penn, Fonda, Baldwin come to mind. I guess if you are a liberal or communist or atheist, hollywood covers up for you. But if you are a catholic, conservative anything you do or say is suspect. Typical of liberals do as I say not as I do. What a forgiving bunch. Ha. Wonder why the true hollywood conservatives are in hiding? They actually have to meet in secret.

    Report Post »  
    • Hobbs57
      Posted on October 22, 2011 at 10:31pm

      No, your right. The problem with most of them is they have absolutely no idea who they really are. They have lived behind a persona of self, nearly schizoid, and must point to every other persons fault in order to conceal and promote their false identity. All humans do it to a degree, not even consciously, but the difference is good people reflect and recognize. It is ok to be have weaknesses and defects of character, that is what being human is all about. It is those in denial of this, those who are intellects, who thrive on knowledge and refuse to ever admit their powerlessness. Why do you think most shun or deny God ? There is no room for them in their lives, for this would force them to look inside, that of which they have moved to destroy every last symbol of the existence of God in public. I was like Robert, I had gotten sober and changed my life. I often tho9ught my greatest problem leading to the drinking and drugging was the fact that I did care, I cared so much I couldn’t live in this messed up selfish world. Not by the worlds rules anyways. I had to adopt a whole new set of principles, learn a new way to live, grab onto faith, just as Mel said, any faith I could get my hands on. Nobody wants to live that way and unless you have the gift of somebody like Mel coming into your life, you don’t have a chance of ever making it back from the gate of hell. I assure you, it is nothing less than hell on earth. Except for the grace of God, there go I

      Report Post » Hobbs57  
  • flatbroke
    Posted on October 21, 2011 at 6:56pm

    I like Mel gibson and his awesome movies, and i think he lost his way like most people do…. So What, so he divorced he wife of 26 years, and married an attractive gold digger, he would not be the first to do this. Thats his bussiness, and this women taped him and made some money selling the tapes to media, and he has issues with women, gets drunk and says some things that are not nice, he would not be the first. and he would not be the first to be forgiven of sins. I would forgive em.

    Report Post » flatbroke  
  • suz
    Posted on October 21, 2011 at 6:47pm

    …’cause that‘s what we’re all thinking about…mel.

    Report Post » suz  
  • SickOfLiberals
    Posted on October 21, 2011 at 5:59pm

    Robert Downey Jr. shows me that there still are some stand up guys left in Hollywood. Not many but a few. Kudo’s to you Mr. Downey! Only time will tell if the uber liberal left in Hollywood blackballs Downey again for saying this.

    Report Post » SickOfLiberals  
  • Rational Man
    Posted on October 21, 2011 at 5:07pm

    Hollywood won’t forgive Gibson because he is a struggling Christian, (Catholic), who had an epic failure in public. He is redemable, just like everyone else, if he wants to “clean it up”.

    But Hollywood will never forgive Gibson for making “The Passion of Christ”. Christians that fail at some point are favorite targets of scorn and hatred from leftist non-Christians. It makes them feel better about themselves because they live in moral failure.

    Downey just understands about failure because he’s been there. He knows everyone deserves another chance.

    Report Post » Rational Man  
    • tharpdevenport
      Posted on October 21, 2011 at 10:07pm

      Hollywood forgave John Debney for scoring it; he’s had no lack of scoring gigs since then. In fact, none of the other composers on the film before him (some doing scores which were not used, including Lisa Gerrard) have had any trouble getting work.

      Report Post » tharpdevenport  
  • FeliciaJewel
    Posted on October 21, 2011 at 4:39pm

    I’m not supporting a man that would suggest that if his wife is raped that she asked for it and the racism is awful!!! I don’t think it is Hollywood that needs to forgive him but what do I know.

    Report Post » FeliciaJewel  
  • tharpdevenport
    Posted on October 21, 2011 at 4:29pm

    If Holywood can forgive Janeane Garofalo for calling us racist, Bill Cosby for calling us racist, Samual L. Jackson for calling us racist, Roseanne Barr for wanting to behead people who make over $100 million dollars (which includes many in Hollywood, including herself before taxes), Alex Baldwin for going to Occupy Wall Street and tearing apart his daughter in vocemail, Susan Sarandon for calling the Pop a Nazi, Sean Penn for supporting terrorists and being friends with them; surely they can forgive Mel Gibson for calling his girlfriend SugarTITS and calling Jews “wetbacks”, after all — the Jewish people are being called far worse at Occupy Wall Street where Baldwin went (is he still there?).

    Report Post » tharpdevenport  
  • Islesfordian
    Posted on October 21, 2011 at 3:51pm

    Downey screwed up his life and hit bottom big time, and he LEARNED from it. I really like him.

    Report Post » Islesfordian  
    • the hawk
      Posted on October 21, 2011 at 4:14pm

      i like him too…………..humble……..nice come back ,,,,recovery…..!

      Report Post »  
  • dawg71
    Posted on October 21, 2011 at 3:45pm

    Love RDJ, he knows of what he speaks and has made the most of his second chance that was provided largely by Mr. Gibson. He not only is he Good Actor but a Good Man as well.

    Report Post »  
  • mrsmileyface
    Posted on October 21, 2011 at 3:44pm

    Gibson and Downey can both “Sit on the cactus” for both being pin-heads.

    Report Post » mrsmileyface  
  • jungle J
    Posted on October 21, 2011 at 3:44pm

    What a true adult.

    Report Post »  
  • sta
    Posted on October 21, 2011 at 3:37pm

    Go Iron Man!

    Report Post »  
  • dawg71
    Posted on October 21, 2011 at 3:34pm

    In a room full of children me thinks Mr. Downey is the only grownup in the room.

    Report Post »  
  • Grannie4news
    Posted on October 21, 2011 at 3:28pm

    This shows the heart and soul of Robert Downey Jr. He has overcome a lot. I used to think we would read about his demise from drugs. They are all human beings just like the rest of us, but some in Hollywood can‘t see the sliver in another’s eye, for the log in their own. Gibson is a very good actor, and I will watch his movies, after all we watch, Penn, Sarandon, Freeman, Glover, Spielberg, Howard and the list goes on and on. They would love to see the overthrow of our government.

    Report Post » Grannie4news  
  • opinionista
    Posted on October 21, 2011 at 3:18pm

    Gibdon is a brilliant directior and an excellent actor. When looking at art, it is not necessary to judge the artist.

    Report Post »  
  • Turkey Thug
    Posted on October 21, 2011 at 3:16pm

    Well said, good job Robert!

    Report Post » Turkey Thug  
  • GhostOfJefferson
    Posted on October 21, 2011 at 3:09pm

    Robert Downy Jr. is a true class act and wonderful acting talent. Been to self inflicted hell and managed to recover and grow as a human being from it.

    I don‘t know what to think of Gibson’s transgressions. He is/was a brilliant director though and a good actor when he was still on the screen. It seems odd to me that Hollywood celebrates people with bizarre lives, even goes out of its way to make movies praising pedophile mathematicians, yet they absolutely refuse to speak to Gibson. What he did was wrong, clearly, but he’s no “great director” that goes out and rapes 13 year old girls, like another director I know of living in exile that the Hollywood elite just *adore*.

    Report Post » GhostOfJefferson  
    • Islesfordian
      Posted on October 21, 2011 at 3:59pm

      He made a movie about Jesus that was devout and which offended Jews. That’s far, far worse than forcefully sodomizing a 13 year old girl.

      Hollywood.

      Report Post » Islesfordian  
  • lukerw
    Posted on October 21, 2011 at 2:48pm

    In the home of Leftists… whom are the “Right”?

    Report Post » lukerw  
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