More details, including the arresting officer's report, are here. Gibson does his Daffy Duck imitation here. I defended The Passion against the charge of anti-Semitism, but not against the charge of all-around mediocrity, here.
Mel Gibson Drives Drunk, Blames the Jews for "All the Wars In the World," Calls Cop "Sugar Tits"
Comments to "Mel Gibson Drives Drunk, Blames the Jews for "All the Wars In the World," Calls Cop "Sugar Tits"":
Akira MacKenzie | July 30, 2006, 12:39pm | #
Is it just me, or does Mel look like he's auditioning for the role of Saddam Hussein?"Spider Hole Days" A one-man play.
Don Coyote | July 30, 2006, 12:41pm | #
I agree Sandy.He can cure his alcholism (if true), but, according to his apology, he left his Jew remarks standing.
Ken Barber | July 30, 2006, 1:08pm | #
My favorite part:On Saturday, Gibson released the following statement:
"After drinking alcohol on Thursday night, I did a number of things that were very wrong and for which I am ashamed.... I have battled with the disease of alcoholism for all of my adult life and profoundly regret my horrific relapse....
I can't help thinking of Peter Bagge's absolutely brilliant "Acts of Contrition" cartoon (Reason, August/September 2003) right about now....
I havn't seen the Passion of the Christ, but I've seen tons accusations that it's antisemitic. I have yet to see someone explain specifically why the movie is antisemitic (as opposed to why Mel Gibson is antisemitic).
MainstreamMan | July 30, 2006, 1:31pm | #
Mr. Xgo here--
http://www.religioustolerance.org/chrgibson10.htm
for a balanced discussion of the issue and the movie.
Herrick and His Balls | July 30, 2006, 1:32pm | #
There's some ugly old Jew stereotypes mocking Jesus as he carries his cross in the movie. So yeah, The Passion is definitely anti-semitic.Not that there's anything wrong with that.
Herrick and His Balls | July 30, 2006, 1:38pm | #
I always find that calling a cop "Sweetcheeks" helps you get out of a ticket.Only in San Francisco, Herrick. Don't let your balls tell you otherwise.
Russell Hanneken | July 30, 2006, 1:46pm | #
From the article:Sources say [arresting officer Deputy] Mee was told Gibson's comments would incite a lot of "Jewish hatred," that the situation in Israel was "way too inflammatory." It was mentioned several times that Gibson, who wrote, directed, and produced 2004's "The Passion of the Christ," had incited "anti-Jewish sentiment" and "For a drunk driving arrest, is this really worth all that?"As I recall, The Passion of the Christ incited a lot of worrying about anti-Semitism, but I don't know of any evidence that it incited any significant amount of hatred toward Jewish people.
In any case, it's absurd to suppose that an embarrassing outburst by a drunk celebrity would fan the flames of anti-Semitism, and I have a hard time believing that's the real reason the arrest report was rewritten. I suspect some people in the LA Sheriff's department just felt sorry for Gibson and wanted to give a celebrity a break.
Don Coyote | July 30, 2006, 1:47pm | #
Jennifer, just more of Sandy's in vino veritas. I bet the cops eyes popped open.I dunno, Don. If the cop were a bosomy woman who had just eaten a powdered donut but hadn't bothered to brush her chest off before making the arrest, then maybe I could see the whole "sugar tits" thing. Otherwise I'm just completely drawing a blank here.
Russell Hanneken | July 30, 2006, 1:55pm | #
Don Coyote,Actually, Gibson did retract his anti-Semitic comments. At least, that's how I interpret this part of his apology: "I acted like a person completely out of control when I was arrested, and said things that I do not believe to be true and which are despicable. I am deeply ashamed of everything I said."
Don, I honestly don't know what that means in this context, but I just spilled some lemon Italian ice on myself which means I have to change my shirt before I go back to work. I don't fully know my place in the tit hierarchy, but I suspect lemon tits are worse than sugar tits. Especially considering all the "puckery" jokes one therefore becomes exposed to.
The juxtaposition on H&R of the Mel Gibson drunken anti-semitic tirade and the anti-semitic crazy arab guy is just priceless. There's some comedic gold in this stuff. Where's our resident comedian, Stevo Darkley where are you?
Jennifer | July 30, 2006, 2:03pm | #
Gibson did retract his anti-Semitic comments. At least, that's how I interpret this part of his apology: "I acted like a person completely out of control when I was arrested, and said things that I do not believe to be true and which are despicable. I am deeply ashamed of everything I said."I don't buy it. This is barely a step above the passive-voice "mistakes were made" non-apology apology. If he specifically apologized for making inaccurate statements about Jews, that would be different.
phord | July 30, 2006, 2:07pm | #
"I acted like a person completely out of control when I was arrested"Not, I was a person completely out of control. Or simply, I was out of control. Note the way Gibson sets up this verbal fiction by which some other Mel Gibson was responsible for raging about the Jews. His behavior was hateful; Mel Gibson was not hateful. This drunk Mel Gibson doppelganger was hateful when he was arrested; the Mel Gibson of right now regrets that other guy's actions. I like that Peter Bagge cartoon: no-one is the problem; everyone has a problem.
Don Coyote | July 30, 2006, 2:09pm | #
Russell,Time will tell. Unfortunately, he has marked himself.
Shall I be the first one to mention that alcohol does not change your personality, but merely lowers your inhibitions? A drunk person's not going to rail against the Jews unless he already had such anti-Jewish thoughts somewhere in his mind. It's not like he was tripping on hallucinogens or anything.
joshua corning | July 30, 2006, 2:24pm | #
lets see everyone on the planet says i am anti-semetic...i get drunk one night and pissed off at being called anti-semetic i start saying stupid anti-semetic crap in a drunking banter...does that make one anti semetic or just a mean drunk?Anyway here are some things I don't think are anti semetic.
Isreal never should have been created by the UN...dumb idea to take land from other people and give it to someone else...if they are jews or not does not matter.
The jewish clergy some 2000 years ago probabaly had something to do with killing jesus...that is if jesus even existed and the bible can be trusted.
There sure are alot of Jews in show buissness.
The amazing advenures of Cavalier and Clay sucks ass and does not deserve a pulitzer.
It has never been expalined to me why I, raised as a catholic, was circumsized along with millions of other american male babies circa 1960 - 1990. WTF?!?!
I am going to get drunk and then come back later.
Russell Hanneken | July 30, 2006, 2:32pm | #
Jennifer,It would have been a better apology if he had gone into specifics, yes.
Anyway, the whole apology is undermined when he insinuates that the "disease" of alcoholism made him act the way he did. Bah.
zener | July 30, 2006, 2:39pm | #
Shall I be the first one to mention that alcohol does not change your personality, but merely lowers your inhibitions? A drunk person's not going to rail against the Jews unless he already had such anti-Jewish thoughts somewhere in his mind. It's not like he was tripping on hallucinogens or anything.I agree, note Sandy's comment: in vino veritas
Just imagine what we could find out if Pres. Bush is drunk.
Herrick and His Balls | July 30, 2006, 2:45pm | #
I say anti-semitic things when I'm drunk, but that's just my attempt at "politically incorrect" comedy.APL | July 30, 2006, 2:48pm | #
Shall I be the first one to mention that alcohol does not change your personality, but merely lowers your inhibitionsI used to think this, but I've come to realize that to a very great extent, our inhibitions ARE our personality.
Herrick and His Balls | July 30, 2006, 2:50pm | #
Russell, I think you meant to link to this:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bloody_Mary_%28South_Park%29
Les | July 30, 2006, 2:55pm | #
joshua,Nothing you said was anti-semitic except this:
The amazing advenures of Cavalier and Clay sucks ass and does not deserve a pulitzer.
I loved that book, you fucking anti-semitic bastard!
Jennifer | July 30, 2006, 2:59pm | #
I used to think this, but I've come to realize that to a very great extent, our inhibitions ARE our personality.I disagree. We all (except me, of course) have thoughts and desires that aren't appropriate for public consumption, but I suppose you could argue that your personality is based in part on which such thoughts you consider inappropriate for the public to know about.
I can confidently say that no matter how drunk I got I'd not make any anti-Jewish statements because even when I lived surrounded by racists I viewed Jews as white people who happened to get eight days of Christmas each year. (I might, however, get drunk at a libertarian gathering and say something worse, like "This country needs more worker-protection laws!" But that has absolutely nothing to do with the Jews.)
Bee | July 30, 2006, 3:02pm | #
This is what Bush is like drunk:http://www.thesmokinggun.com/bush/bush.html
Warren | July 30, 2006, 3:03pm | #
Shall I be the first one to mention that alcohol does not change your personality, but merely lowers your inhibitions?I call bullshit. Alcohol's effects differ greatly from person to person. It is not uncommon for a person under its influence to undergo a personality transformation. It's just false to claim that what people say and do while intoxicated is what is in their heart when they are sober.
Re:Mel's apology. I read that as a complete Mia Culpa. He's sorry, he's sorry for everything, and he's being as contrite as he can about it. Anyone who parses that as weasel words wouldn't be satisfied no matter what he said.
My personal feelings are that Mel is an anti-Semite. I've come to this conclusion after reading some of the more scholarly critiques of Passion, and Mel's inadequate response.
Re:Sugar tits
Sugar = sweet
sweet:
Adj.
An intensive used to express satisfaction, acceptance, pleasure, excellence, exaltation, approval, awe, or reverence.
My guess is the officer had a nice rack. Second guess, it was just a gender attack like 'girly' or 'toots' only more vulgar.
MG's apology wasn't nearly as contrite as it should have been. But it's got to be the most contrite one I've heard or read from a disgraced celebrity/sports star/politician. That bar is real low, I realize, but still . . .
His BAC was .12 according to what I've read. Granted, past the legal definition of drunk but hardly an excuse for belligerent behavior. I think it's just better PR to put out a statement that says, "I was drunk" as opposed to "I am an asshole".
Mo | July 30, 2006, 3:08pm | #
I'm going to agree with APL on this one. Inhibitions are a big part of our personality.Just because someone has thoughts in their mind does not necessarily mean that they believe them. People do have internal conflicts and it is possible that the rational side dismisses the base, hateful side. In fact, aren't inhibitions really the rational wall holding back the primitive, base side of our personality*?
Besides, I thought the preferred nomenclature was "sweet tits."
I have gotten drunk....lots! And I have never ranted against jews. I do rant at at the quantity of stupid people who still live because we won't allow what Carlin calls passive eugenics to take root....yeah. I have done terrible Gilbert Gottfried impressions under the influence.
Russell Hanneken | July 30, 2006, 3:10pm | #
I disagree with the idea that alcohol lowers people's inhibitions. I think people lower their own inhibitions when they think they have an excuse--e.g., "I'm acting obnoxiously, but people will cut me some slack because they can see I'm drunk," or "I'll make a pass at my co-worker; if things go badly, I'll just say it was the alcohol."Jennifer | July 30, 2006, 3:11pm | #
Alcohol's effects differ greatly from person to person. It is not uncommon for a person under its influence to undergo a personality transformation. It's just false to claim that what people say and do while intoxicated is what is in their heart when they are sober.How so? What you call "personality transformation" is just "release of deep-buried inhibitions." The chronic sex-hating virgin who gets drunk and takes on the football squad isn't undergoing a transformation, she's just releasing some seriously repressed sex thoughts. The sweet, loving guy who becomes a punchy asshole is just a guy who, while sober, has a huge amount of self-control in regards to his desire to punch things. The more self-control you need to maintain your day-to-day image, the greater the change people will notice when you get drunk.
I can buy the idea of a non-anti-Semite saying anti-Jew stuff while he's tripping. I can buy the idea that such a guy, if smoking powerful pot to which he's unaccustomed, might say anti-Jew stuff (but not because he means it; merely that he thought for some reason it was really, really funny). But I don't buy the idea that a drunk Semitophile will start spewing out a bunch of Jew-bashing crap that was completely independent of his own mind.
Les | July 30, 2006, 3:12pm | #
Warren is absolutely right in that alcohol affects everybody in different ways. Considering our relative ignorance of neuropsychology/physiology, no one can be accurate when they say, "Alcohol does X to a person," because its effects are as varied as the neurological make-up of the people who drink it.That said, if alcoholism is a disease, I think we need to come up with a different word to describe cancer (or at least a qualifier to describe the kind of disease alcoholism is).
Karen | July 30, 2006, 3:16pm | #
Honestly, I'm more bugged by the fact that he drove when he was so completely snockered than that he made asshole comments when he got arrested. Surely he has enough cash to hire a driver? Have booze delivered to his house? Honestly, I cannot understand why any Hollywood type EVER gets caught on a DWI, but it happens so very often. Does anyone have an explanation for this?No defense at all to the content of the statements, by the way. It's just that I've been around enough drunks in my time to know that "in vino veritas" is usually but not invaribly true. He probably is an anti-semite, but I don't think there's enough information to make a definite diagnosis. Wait to see what he says over the next few weeks, once he starts trying to market his new Mayan movie. Then we can see if he was really out of his head, or just a little more relaxed than he should have been.
To add to the drop-inhibitions theory, think of the types of personality changes you see under the influence of alcohol: you'll see a drunk prude discover a fondness for sex, but you won't see a drunk sexpot suddenly discover the joys or chastity. You'll see a painfully shy wallflower turn into a shimmering extrovert, but you won't see an extrovert become painfully shy. You'll see a supposed non-bigot start spewing racist crap, but you won't see a drunk Klansman start saying "I just realized that all men are brothers under the skin."
Ken Shultz | July 30, 2006, 3:19pm | #
I just want to know if this will affect the release date of Apocalypto.BornAgainIconoclast | July 30, 2006, 3:24pm | #
I don't buy the idea that a drunk Semitophile will start spewing out a bunch of Jew-bashing crap that was completely independent of his own mindJennifer, totally agree. I've seen too many people let their Freudian inner inhibitions let loose after one too many. I think this episode just cleared up the great mystery as to the influence of Gibson's dad on his own personal (and inner) worldview.
This is what Bush is like drunk:
Wow, haven't seen that one in years! In light of Bush's adventures of the past six years, he actually comes off sober (compared to his behavior as president) and half-way intelligent in that clip. Was he a victim of a "Paul is Dead" conspiracy, and replaced by a replicon now sitting on Pennsylvania avenue?
Russell Hanneken | July 30, 2006, 3:28pm | #
If someone hadn't stolen my copy of Saying Yes, I'd find the passage where Jacob Sullum mentions a culture in which people drink a lot of alcohol as part of a ritual--and no unruly behavior ensues.Really, I don't think the chemical alcohol per se has much of an effect on people's behavior. Sure, it can mess with your coordination, slow your response time, etc. But what really influences people when they drink is their idea of what it means to be drunk.
BornAgainIconoclast | July 30, 2006, 3:33pm | #
Maybe NBC Dateline can now start a "To Catch a Drunk Celebrity" series to sequel the predators."I didn't really mean to say that Jews are responsible for the sun burning out in 5 Billion years. That's not me. This is my first time .... "
I now have a lot more respect for the former mayor of Columbus, Ohio, who, when caught and asked by one of his own police officers why he was drunk behind the wheel in the middle of the night, replied "I was inspecting our city ... "
Now, that's a classy DUI defense ...
Warren | July 30, 2006, 3:35pm | #
Jennifer,Let me explain... No, there is too much. Let me sum up.
While many people become belligerent when drunk and say what's in their mind, but may in no way reflect what's in their heart. A guy who's spent the past couple of years fending off charges of anti-Semitism is likely to reach for that when inebriated weather or not he's guilty as charged.
h-dawg | July 30, 2006, 3:39pm | #
Great distinction, Jen. Inhibitions work in one direction, to contain the animal. They also tend to make us more serious, but I doubt Mel was expecting too many laughs from jew jokes in L.A.Funny, that Klansman example.
Lowdog | July 30, 2006, 3:39pm | #
I saw the baba walters interview with Mel, and he came across as a little nuts. I think he does have some serious internal conflicts, many of them probably due to his father's influence. The fact that he used to be a partier, but is now uber-religious is another symptom of this, I think.Not saying that he isn't anti-semitic, or an asshole, but we've all got our issues.
(And this is not in any way me giving him a free pass here, I'm just saying. Or maybe I'm biased because he was the star in one of the greatest movies of all time, The Road Warrior.) :)
As to alcohol's effect on people...I think it does lower inhibitions, but I also think that if you're spouting off race-hating comments, you probably have those thoughts a lot but are usually under control of those thoughts.
The funny thing to me is that it's not jews that are the cause of all war, but religion. Or maybe more accurately, commitment to irrational philosophies. (Just throwing that out there, feel free to bash me or point out how I'm wrong.) :)
MainstreamMan | July 30, 2006, 3:40pm | #
"but you won't see a drunk Klansman start saying "I just realized that all men are brothers under the skin."Drunk Klansman/skinhead/racist to nearest person...
"I luv you man, you're the best. Maybe you ____________aren't so bad.I really love you man. You're great, jus' great."
Pretty sure I've seen this scene play out more than once. For some drunks, the world is their family.
Warren | July 30, 2006, 3:43pm | #
You'll see a painfully shy wallflower turn into a shimmering extrovert, but you won't see an extrovert become painfully shy. You'll see a supposed non-bigot start spewing racist crap, but you won't see a drunk Klansman start saying "I just realized that all men are brothers under the skin."I've seen examples of both. Extroverts who when drunk hide in the corner and become anti-social. When I was in the Navy I met two different guys who were "nigger this and nigger that" when sober. But when they got drunk (one of the especially) they wanted to hang out with black guys, going out of his way to be all nice and buddy-buddy.
Herrick and His Balls | July 30, 2006, 3:45pm | #
Due to the failure of the Doha round, the correct term is still "High Fructose Corn Syrup" Tits.Jennifer has an interesting point. I've never known a sexpot become a prude from drink, but I have known several happy-go-lucky sorts turn gloomy and taciturn with the application of strong drink. Generally, though, Jennifer is right. Booze discloses the personality traits most of us would prefer people keep hidden.
Warren | July 30, 2006, 3:58pm | #
Aww crap, this is really deeper into this than I wanted to go.Generally, though, Jennifer is right. Booze discloses the personality traits most of us would prefer people keep hidden.
Yes, it's true alcohol acts as a depressant. Many people experience loss of inhibition as an effect of drinking. It is a mistake however to conclude that all behavior under the influence is a result of loss of inhibition. Alcohol is a strong psychoactive drug, and its effects vary greatly from user to user and even from time to time.
Jennifer is generally right but she is not universally right.
Jennifer | July 30, 2006, 4:08pm | #
As to alcohol's effect on people...I think it does lower inhibitions, but I also think that if you're spouting off race-hating comments, you probably have those thoughts a lot but are usually under control of those thoughts.How is this a "but" statement? Alcohol lowers your inhibitions, which among other things means you'll spout off a lot of thoughts over which you are usually in control but not when you're drunk.
I've never known a sexpot become a prude from drink, but I have known several happy-go-lucky sorts turn gloomy and taciturn with the application of strong drink
Well, once you consume a certain amount of the stuff you cross the line from "happy" to "morose."
Lowdog | July 30, 2006, 4:25pm | #
Jennifer - you're right, that "but" probably didn't need to be in there. I guess an "and" or a simple comma or dash would have been more appropriate.But (there's that word again, hopefully I use it right this time), what I'm saying is that just because you have those thoughts doesn't mean that you are actually convinced of it yourself. Again, I think he's an internally conflicted man, and he may very well feel quite bad about his behaviour.
Not trying to apologise for Mel's behaviour, or excuse it, of course.
joshua corning | July 30, 2006, 4:39pm | #
when i am drunk and even when i am sobber i am perfectly willing to say or write things that i dissagree with simply becosue it would be funny to say them...Like this one:
For a people who rule the world the jews sure are touchy about what mel gibson says about them.
i don't care who you are that is funny.
Josh - I hear you...if people heard some of the messed-up things my friends and I say to get a laugh (sober and/or drunk and/or otherwise chemically altered), we'd probably be seen as some of the biggest bigots and jerks around.
Cyrano | July 30, 2006, 5:15pm | #
The director of the Anti-Defamation League agrees with Jennifer. From the New York Times artice on Gibson's arrest:“If it’s true what’s reported, frequently hatred, bigotry and prejudice, which is controlled, explodes at moments of stress and crisis,” said Rabbi Abraham H. Foxman, national director of the Anti-Defamation League. “Liquor loosens the tongue of what’s in the mind and in the heart, and in his mind and in his heart is his conspiracy theory about Jews and hatred of Jews.”
Jennifer | July 30, 2006, 5:31pm | #
The director of the Anti-Defamation League agrees with Jennifer.We hammered out the details at our secret world-control meeting last night.
Jennifer | July 30, 2006, 5:36pm | #
When I was in the Navy I met two different guys who were "nigger this and nigger that" when sober. But when they got drunk (one of the especially) they wanted to hang out with black guys, going out of his way to be all nice and buddy-buddy.If they grew up in the kind of place I did, I can see how the "buddy-buddy with black guys" was what they kept repressed, and the "nigger nigger" schtick was what they said when they tried to meet standards they didn't quite live up to.
Ever see a homophobe get mighty affectionate when he's drunk? And I'm not talking about the ladies.
Actually I suppose some people do start loving people they would not normally love while drunk.
Herrick and His Balls | July 30, 2006, 6:00pm | #
To those who wonder how gaymosexuals can endure the pain of anal sex the first few times, here's the secret: We're drunk.Herrick and His Balls | July 30, 2006, 6:00pm | #
To those who wonder how gaymosexuals can endure the pain of anal sex the first few times, here's the secret: We're drunk.jasno | July 30, 2006, 6:03pm | #
Am I the only one who thought of 'The Divertor' sketch from TV Funhouse upon hearing of this? I don't think you can come up with a better explanation:video available here.
kevrob | July 30, 2006, 6:04pm | #
Jennifer seems to be confusing the important milk, milk, lemonade... sequence.Can a gal have Splenda®Teats?
Kevin
Jennifer | July 30, 2006, 6:06pm | #
Jennifer seems to be confusing the important milk, milk, lemonade... sequence.God forbid you hear about the mess that ensued last time I ate strawberries with chocolate dip.
crimethink | July 30, 2006, 6:18pm | #
Zach,You can bet that if Gibson was caught driving while high, the tone of this thread would be totally different.
As far as alcohol's effect on talkativeness...I'm usually kind of a bigmouth, but when I feel the buzz coming on, I actually tend to STFU. I think it's cause I lose confidence in my judgement of what's OK to say vs. what's not, so I just clam up. Gross inhibitions (eg, don't say anything unnecessary) can be maintained long after complex inhibitions (eg, don't make anti-semitic, racist, homophobic remarks) are out the window.
Now, if it got to the point where I was totally plastered even the gross inhibitions would be history. But I usually don't let it get to that point. Now, if Kerry was coming to an H&R get-together, I might make an exception... ;-)
Jennifer | July 30, 2006, 6:27pm | #
You can bet that if Gibson was caught driving while high, the tone of this thread would be totally different.I, for one, would have posted several comments to the effect of "how can a guy that high be that fucking uptight?"
Happy Jack | July 30, 2006, 6:30pm | #
If Gibson was smart, he'd blame all of this on the Bronfman's. That way, he could explain his alcohol problems and the powerful Jews remark.BTW, is Gibson a midget or something? .12 seems awful low to claim being shitfaced.
Some Dom Deluise Fan | July 30, 2006, 7:24pm | #
Jennifer, you've clearly missed out on Classic Cinema./Catherine Bach + Susan Anton drive a Lambo and get out of tickets by flashing maximum cleavage... until a lady state trooper pulls the gals over and says "how's it going, sugar tits?"
Warren | July 30, 2006, 7:52pm | #
… I can see how the "buddy-buddy with black guys" was what they kept repressed, and the "nigger nigger" schtick was what they said when they tried to meet standards they didn't quite live up to.So we know people only say what they really think when they're drunk because whatever a drunk person says is what they're really thinking.
But how about we forget about trying to peer into the heart and soul of other people anyway. I don't trust most people to know what their own motivations are. As a rule I find that when people start to make judgements on what's in other peoples heart and head, trouble follows. (I trust the president because he loves Jesus e.g.)
Looking at Mel's actions alone, and putting aside his motivations, he fucked up big. Having done the deed, he is now contritely accepting responsibility. That’s as much as you can ask for at this point.
Russell Hanneken | July 30, 2006, 8:38pm | #
jw,The article to which Jesse Walker linked states that the arresting officer was named James Mee. I think it's safe to say he's a man.
Jesse Walker | July 30, 2006, 8:40pm | #
It was a different, and female, officer who was bestowed with the "sugar tits" title.Tbone | July 30, 2006, 9:35pm | #
I tend to agree that under the influence you can exhibit atypical or bizarre behavior, but I've never seen a racist or homophobe change stripes in such a state.And I don't buy that whole alcoholism schtick as an excuse. I've lived with two alcoholics over the years and 0.12 is nothing for a professional drinker. Mel's statements were a direct reflection of his feelings; his mea culpa is to try and stave off the PR shitstorm. It doesn't ultimately matter. There is no downside to bad publicity for celebs anymore unless you really screw up (like maybe kill someone).
joshua corning | July 30, 2006, 10:11pm | #
Jennifer seems to be confusing the important milk, milk, lemonade... sequence.Doesn't that only work with nursing diebetics?
Looking at Mel's actions alone, and putting aside his motivations, he fucked up big. Having done the deed, he is now contritely accepting responsibility. That’s as much as you can ask for at this point.
Huh?!?!
"Fucked up big time" I am not even convinced he even fucked up...now if say he went on a sustained campaign of anti-semetism, one that actually stuck..then i would begin to be conscerned.
It will take more then a few drunkin misnomers flung at cops to raise my ere...the DUI looks bad though and maybe that is what you are refering to.
Rich Ard | July 30, 2006, 10:37pm | #
.12 seems awful low to claim being shitfaced.Dunno - if he's being sincere that he's generally not drinking, then slamming a couple or few beers could certainly short some circuits.
Larry A | July 30, 2006, 10:59pm | #
<trivia>Sugar tit:If you have a baby who is teething and fussy or a baby who is hungry and you don't have milk available take a couple of tablespoons of sugar and moisten it, then wrap it in cloth to resemble a nipple. The corner of a pillowcase works well. Great pacifier, unless you're one of the "empty calories" nazis.</trivia>
Ken Shultz | July 30, 2006, 11:49pm | #
It was a different, and female, officer who was bestowed with the "sugar tits" title.In regards to that part of the alleged comments, I think we should hold off judgment, at least until we've had a look at the officer in question. For all we know, Gibson's comments may have been merely descriptive. If Officer Sugar Tits does indeed possess a remarkable pair, then, I'm not sure we aren't just arguing context.
One time, I was on this plane and this flight attendant was yellin' at me 'cause she said I was endangering other passengers by using my phone. (It was the first version Treo--I needed to use the Palm portion--the phone service was off.) So I said something like, "Why don't you go be a nice little waitress and get me a Diet Coke?" "I'm not a waitress.", she said. To which I replied, "Well I'm not leaving you a tip then."
She got all bent out of shape.
It's amazing how easy it is to tip certain professional women over the edge. ...and how tempting it is to push, especially in the right situation. Anti-Semitic remarks are inexcusable, regardless of context, and, considering the comments his father is said to have made, I can see why people would find those comments especially interesting coming from Mel Gibson. ...but as far as "sugar tits", is that really such a big deal? It's not like he's a co-worker.
I saw a film this weekend made by a man who married the adopted daughter of his girlfriend.
mtc5499 | July 31, 2006, 12:47am | #
dunno ken i think one could read your joke to the flight attendant as the sort of the blatant sexism that is inexcusable regardless of context--granted it wasn't inherently sexist but the case could certainly be madeand that said i will be using that joke on every female i ever meet from here until the end of time
Non-Bullshit Master | July 31, 2006, 1:33am | #
I call non-bullshit. Alchohol lowers inhibitions. It does not alter personality. Deal with what you did while you were drunk. :)mediageek | July 31, 2006, 1:56am | #
"Well, once you consume a certain amount of the stuff you cross the line from "happy" to "morose.""Not I. I simply go from "happy" to "comatose."
Unless I happen to already be in a downer of a mood when I start drinking. In that case strong spirits don't lift mine.
As for the whole "sugar tits" remark, it seems like a pretty easy solve to me.
Mel was obviously listening to the Def Leopard album Hysteria
I'm hot, sticky sweet, from my head, to my feet Yeah!
mediageek | July 31, 2006, 1:57am | #
"Well, once you consume a certain amount of the stuff you cross the line from "happy" to "morose.""Not I. I simply go from "happy" to "comatose."
Unless I happen to already be in a downer of a mood when I start drinking. In that case strong spirits don't lift mine.
As for the whole "sugar tits" remark, it seems like a pretty easy solve to me.
Mel was obviously listening to the Def Leopard album Hysteria
I'm hot, sticky sweet, from my head, to my feet Yeah!
Sheena Easton | July 31, 2006, 9:14am | #
Didn't I have a hit single called "Sugar Tits"? Come spend the night inside my sugar tits. Yeah, that was my hit after "For Your Thighs Only".Mel slipped up. He should have blamed Israel for all the wars. The brotherhood would have known what he meant.
Patrick | July 31, 2006, 1:15pm | #
Speaking of lowering inhibitions, apparently Mel really wanted to fuck Deputy Mee:The report says Gibson told the deputy, "You mother f****r. I'm going to f*** you." . . . We're told Gibson took two blood alcohol tests, which were videotaped, and continued saying how "f****d" he was and how he was going to "f***" Deputy Mee.
Ken Shultz | July 31, 2006, 3:20pm | #
mtc5499,Calling a flight attendant a "stewardess" isn't sexist. Calling a flight attendant that doesn't like to be called a stewardess a "waitress" isn't sexist either.
...It's insensitive, but it's sensitive too. You have to be sensitive to to get under somebody's skin like that. ...at least if you're doin' it on purpose, and for all we know that may have been what Mel was doing.
joshua corning | July 31, 2006, 5:52pm | #
Mel slipped up. He should have blamed Israel for all the wars. The brotherhood would have known what he meant.Hey does that mean "America is the biggest threat to world peace." is code for "Workers of the world unite"?
Stevo Darkly | July 31, 2006, 5:55pm | #
A few items:1: SUGAR TIT
Per Larry A: Sugar tit:
If you have a baby who is teething and fussy or a baby who is hungry and you don't have milk available take a couple of tablespoons of sugar and moisten it, then wrap it in cloth to resemble a nipple. The corner of a pillowcase works well. Great pacifier, unless you're one of the "empty calories" nazis.
This is indeed the meaning of the word "sugar tit." It is a primitive form of a child's pacifier. I learned this while watching the move The Cowboys many years ago.
Either Gibson meant to say that his arresting officers were immature, wet-behind-the-ears, namby-pambies, milquetoasts or something of that sort, or else he was just spouting nonsensical insults because he was drunk.
2. "I acted like a person completely out of control when I was arrested"
Not, I was a person completely out of control. Or simply, I was out of control. Note the way Gibson sets up this verbal fiction by which some other Mel Gibson was responsible for raging about the Jews. His behavior was hateful; Mel Gibson was not hateful. This drunk Mel Gibson doppelganger was hateful when he was arrested; the Mel Gibson of right now regrets that other guy's actions. I like that Peter Bagge cartoon: no-one is the problem; everyone has a problem.
Oh, niggler, please.
Gibson was talking about his behavior. His choice of words was no more evasive of responsibility than when someone says, "I'm sorry I acted like an asshole." Meaning, "I behaved in a manner befitting an asshole," which is close enough to saying, "I was an asshole."
3. When I'm drunk, I talk the way I post on the Internet.
bob | July 31, 2006, 11:45pm | #
So many entertainment wonks waiting to take down Mel. "He can't recover!" "The most grotesque thing I've ever experienced from a celebrity!"[actual quote I just heard!]I can't count the times I've heard someone say "f**king arabs!" since 9/11 with no context. Mel didn't JUST say "f**king Jews", he said that IN CONJUNCTION with a criticism of the WAR in Lebanon that many people think Israel is responsible for! I just said "f**king Jim" today when a friend of mine as usual didn't return something he borrowed. There was a key story by James Bamford in Rolling Stone that Mel may have just read, about the Israeli lobby manipulating the Pentagon into war in Iraq and Iran. This Mel stuff is rediculous, but enlightening to hear the comments in chosen media.
Keyser Sose | August 1, 2006, 2:48am | #
Ohh I came so late to the Mel train wreckage! What a shame. Was I working too hard ? Reading too much about Israal's just fight against radical crazy assholes? Oh where I was all this time !??My main dish is is going to be Mel, Honey in portuguese, melodic as "meow", Mel the bitch. Oh Pel Mel: What a *blip* up man !!!
Was that a Mad Max stunt driving your Lexus at high speed on the perilous highways of Malibu? oh what a braveheart indeed! What a Passion you have for the law !!! Hey what about that forgotten law that says life is sacred? Remember that guy called Christ? He used to say that man. Mel, did you realize a Lexus can also be a Lethal Weapon in the hands of a drunken moron ?
Ah, what an endorsement for your antisemitic views of the world: alcoholism.
And what about the trash talk ? That was priceless ! Mel: the Jews did start all wars of the world man! Awesome and as true as your version of Christ's last days. Evidence is all over history: Jews attacked Pearl Harbour and of course invaded themselves in Poland. They exterminated Incas and Maias, they attacked Kuwait, set Iran and Iraq against each other too, sponsored the Taliban and don't forget the bunch os jews blowing away planes on 9/11. They self exterminated too and self pogrom'ed all over the 19th century. Those barbaric Jew Crusaders! Those bastard jewish samurais! I won't be suprised if mean aliens are jewish too.
Mel you are a genius man, a bit drunk and bitchy, but a genius nevertheless. Thanks for opening my eyes sugar !
Orrin | August 1, 2006, 5:00am | #
I know that alcoholism is a serious disease, and I don't make light of it. On the other hand, I find the incident extremely amusing and ironic given his pious pretentions. Anti-semitism and racism against people of color made Western Civilization what it is today. Where would the West be today without the image of the crooked Jewish banker/parasite and the Black and Yellow and other heathen races slaving away for White Christian civilization. As Gandhi said when asked what he thought of Western Civilization, "I think it would be a good idea". Thanks Mel, I almost thought the West was doomed.(P.S., the Daily Mail in England would not print this. I thought the English would get the irony).
ThinkTank | August 1, 2006, 9:01am | #
A drunk man's words are a sober man's thoughts...In all fairness, he's only in the spotlight because of his rank in society. The fact is, people get drunk and say stupid things every day. Why should anyone take his words (while intoxicated) any more serious than someone elses? I mean...isn't there a war going on? "Accidental" bombings and whatnot, killing women and children? Lets not take the attention away from where it really belongs...
ThinkTank | August 1, 2006, 10:06am | #
It's almost as if the world waits for celebrities to fumble, so as to strip them of their accomplishments. That's a hate crime...They've gained popularity and worldwide respect, but they've lost their right to make everyday comments and express beliefs. Whether or not they are, in this case, his beliefs...as a figure of speach...who's on the cross now?
And people wish to be famous? Do they wish to know what they'd be giving up...take a good hard look...
ThinkTank | August 1, 2006, 10:06am | #
It's almost as if the world waits for celebrities to fumble, so as to strip them of their accomplishments. That's a hate crime...They've gained popularity and worldwide respect, but they've lost their right to make everyday comments and express beliefs. Whether or not they are, in this case, his beliefs...as a figure of speach...who's on the cross now?
And people wish to be famous? Do they wish to know what they'd be giving up...take a good hard look...
So what's the big deal? Mel Gibson has a right to hate whoever and whatever he chooses to, just like the rest of us. Saying it to a cop while drunk is hardly a public statement and not a hate crime or incitement to hatred. It is the cops who made it a public statement, why are they even bothering to share Mr. Gibson's drunk blabberings with us? Is someone just looking for a moment of fame?
So what's the big deal? Mel Gibson has a right to hate whoever and whatever he chooses to, just like the rest of us. Saying it to a cop while drunk is hardly a public statement and not a hate crime or incitement to hatred. It is the cops who made it a public statement, why are they even bothering to share Mr. Gibson's drunk blabberings with us? Is someone just looking for a moment of fame?
So what's the big deal? Mel Gibson has a right to hate whoever and whatever he chooses to, just like the rest of us. Saying it to a cop while drunk is hardly a public statement and not a hate crime or incitement to hatred. It is the cops who made it a public statement, why are they even bothering to share Mr. Gibson's drunk blabberings with us? Is someone just looking for a moment of fame?
drunken jew | August 1, 2006, 11:59pm | #
Oh! I love sugar tits, please do me a favor can you kick my balls.It's obvious this is just another jew-led smear campaign because they were unhappy with The Passion movie. There's no question jews primarily control the media and Hollywood, and they are out to destroy Gibson. People need to turn off the BS on TV and start thinking for themselves. The jews HAVE been involved in many of the world's wars, and are in the process of starting another world war by attacking Lebanon for no reason. Wake up, people! Gibson is telling the truth.
Cant we discuss more important matters then the mumblings of a movie star. Anti-Semitism is bad, but the killing of innocent woman and children in Lebanon is worse. After the second world war we said never again, but apparently nobody learned anything, even the victims of that time. Its happening all over again in Lebanon. Words can hurt, but bombs kill!