Mel Gibson and the Infamous DUI: Jew-Hating or Just Drunk?

Unless you were living under a rock in early August of 2006, you probably remember the huge amount of fall out and weeks of media discussion from Mel Gibson’s highly publicized erratic behavior and subsequent arrest for three offenses on July 28, 2006. First, Gibson was found traveling on Pacific Coast Highway significantly over the speed limit at approximately 2:30 am. When officers pulled him over, they found offense number two: an open container of Cazadores Tequila. Finally, a blood alcohol content test revealed that Gibson an alcohol level of 0.12%, far above the legal limit for driving which in California is 0.08%.

In today’s world, we’ve become so used to seeing celebrities reprimanded for drug use, sent to rehab, or even jail, but the behavior Mel Gibson displayed upon his arrest is one of the most surprising instances of celebrity bad behavior in the past several years (with the possibly exception of Lindsay Lohan’s drug-fueled car chase). While waiting in the police car, Gibson began to make Anti-Semitic remarks such as “Jews are responsible for all the wars in the world,” to the Jewish arresting officer and later allegedly called a female officer “sugartits” as he was escorted by another officer.

It’s difficult to judge the sincerity of the several public apologies which were issued by Mel Gibson. If there hadn’t been so much media attention surrounding his behavior, would he have changed his ways? Will his career be hurt in the long-run for his offensive outbursts? These questions are hard to answer and only time will tell whether Mel Gibson can rebuild his reputation in the eyes of his fans, or if he will from now on regarded as a prejudiced drunk. Other celebrities have beat the odds and recovered, while some have tainted their reputations forever (think Tom Cruise’s prescription drug rant and Britney Spears’ hard-partying reputation).

Many famous names spoke out against Mel Gibson’s unacceptable behavior and pledged to keep him from working on productions with their studios or from accepting roles in his movies.

mel2.jpgThe final sentencing for Gibson’s DUI “incident” was: a 90-day license suspension, three years probation, mandatory one year Alcoholic’s Anonymous participation, mandatory rehab attendance, and a $1,300. Still seems pretty light compared to the jail time that Paris Hilton received for a much less serious offense: driving under a suspended license. What gives?