Los Angles - A stunned
Hollywood debated the future of one of its biggest stars Sunday as a sheriff's
watchdog launched an investigation into a possible cover up of a leaked report
that quoted Mel Gibson unleashing a tirade of anti-Semitic remarks during a
drunken driving arrest.
One media expert said Gibson irreparably damaged his career with his "crazy"
behavior following his arrest by Los Angeles County Sheriff's deputies in Malibu
early Friday. Charges of anti-Semitism were also leveled against the
actor-director with the release of his 2004 blockbuster "The Passion of the
Christ."
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Actor Mel Gibson. An
Australian Jewish group has condemned Mel Gibson for an alleged
anti-Semitic outburst after he was arrested by police in California for
drunk driving.[AFP]
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"It's a nuclear disaster for him," said publicist Michael Levine, who has
represented
Michael Jackson and Charlton Heston, among others. "I don't
see how he can restore himself."
The entertainment Web site TMZ posted what it said were four pages from the
original arrest report, which quoted Gibson as launching an expletive-laden
"barrage of anti-Semitic remarks" after he was stopped on Pacific Coast Highway.
According to the report, in addition to threatening the arresting deputy and
trying to escape, Gibson said, "The Jews are responsible for all the wars in the
world," and asked the officer, James Mee, "Are you a Jew?"
The report has not been made public, but the Los Angeles Times reported
Sunday that it had independently verified its authenticity.
Gibson's publicist, Alan Nierob, would not elaborate beyond a nonspecific
apology Gibson issued Saturday. Sheriff's sources also declined to comment on
Gibson's alleged remarks.
Studio executives, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the
sensitive nature of the matter, were divided on how Gibson's behavior would
affect his career. One noted that people have short memories, including
filmmakers who might want to profit from Gibson's star power.
Filmgoers, too, could overlook much if the film is perceived as worthwhile.
"Usually it comes down to the marketing of the movie and does the average
person want to see the film," said Paul Dergarabedian, president of box office
tracking firm Exhibitor Relations.
The Office of Independent Review, a department watchdog panel, has opened an
investigation into whether authorities gave Gibson preferential treatment by
covering up his alleged inflammatory comments, said its chief attorney, Mike
Gennaco.
"Assuming that the report was excised, then the question is was it done for a
good reason within regulations," he said.
