Gibson admits remarks, says he's not a bigot

updated 5:19 p.m. ET Aug. 1, 2006

LOS ANGELES - Mel Gibson said Tuesday he is not a bigot or an anti-Semite and he apologized to “everyone in the Jewish community for the vitriolic and harmful words” he used when he was arrested for drunken driving.

“Hatred of any kind goes against my faith,” he said in a statement issued through his publicist Alan Nierob.

“I’m not just asking for forgiveness,” Gibson said. “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.”

It was the second apology the 50-year-old Academy Award winner has issued through Nierob since his Friday arrest.

Gibson said he’s “in the process of understanding where those vicious words came from during that drunken display” and hopes members of the Jewish community, “whom I have personally offended,” will help him in his recovery efforts.

“There is no excuse, nor should there be any tolerance, for anyone who thinks or expresses any kind of anti-Semitic remark,” Gibson said.

“But please know from my heart that I am not an anti-Semite. I am not a bigot. Hatred of any kind goes against my faith.”

Investigation into arrest
In an investigative development, the attorney in charge of a civilian panel responsible for oversight of allegations of wrongdoing by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said a preliminary review found nothing wrong with the handling of Gibson’s arrest.

“In this case the information reviewed to date indicates that LASD did ensure that the arrest of Mr. Gibson was handled in accord with its policies and practices,” said Michael Gennaco, head of the county Office of Independent Review.

Besides the procedures of stopping, testing, arresting and taking Gibson to a sheriff’s station, “most importantly, all information that should have been presented to the D.A. regarding this arrest and the underlying and surrounding circumstances was presented to the district attorney,” Gennaco said.

He said an investigation was continuing into whether the disclosure and documentation of information about the arrest was consistent with policies.

Apology welcomed
Earlier, Gibson’s new statement was welcomed by some Jewish leaders.

MORE ON MEL GIBSON Gibson charged with drunken driving Gibson admits remarks | Read his statement Mixed response | Was apology too late? Opinion: In any language, Gibson a schmuck Newsweek: His true views or booze talking? Malibu's Highway to the Stars strikes again Gibson story latest coup for TMZ.com

“We are glad that Mel Gibson has finally owned up to the fact that he made anti-Semitic remarks, and his apology sounds sincere. We welcome his efforts to repair the damage he has caused,” said Abraham H. Foxman, national director of the Anti-Defamation League. “Once he completes his rehabilitation for alcohol abuse, we will be ready and willing to help him with his second rehabilitation to combat this disease of prejudice.”

“I welcome his words. And I hope and pray that they are sincere and heartfelt,” but Gibson needs to show “tangible actions” of repentance, said Rabbi Mark S. Diamond of the 280-member Board of Rabbis of Southern California.

“I don’t want to minimize for a moment the hurt and anger, the anguish, his words have created in our community,” he said.

Gibson acknowledged “there will be many in that community who will want nothing to do with me, and that would be understandable. But I pray that that door is not forever closed.”

Gibson was pulled over for speeding early Friday in Malibu and arrested for investigation of driving under the influence of alcohol.

He was released several hours later after posting $5,000 bail.

MORE FROM CELEBRITIES

Celebrities Section Front

Britney granted more visitation with boys Khloe Kardashian spends 3 hours in jail Video taken of Brolin, Wright during brawl Salma Hayek, Pinault call off their engagement Islam wins damages for ‘veiled women’ slur DMC undergoing surgery to remove blood clots Ed McMahon sues hospital over neck injury James Brown auction doesn't bring big bucks Spider to be named for Stephen Colbert U2's Bono, Edge win hotel legal battle Celebrities Section Front   Add Celebrities headlines to your news reader: