Chuck Baldwin August 4, 2006
Let’s get right to the point: the Hollywood elite have had it in for Mel Gibson for quite a while. First, he abandoned their penchant for promoting big government by starring in a truer-than-most-want-to-admit movie thriller, Conspiracy Theory. He then further alienated Hollywood Leftists by starring in the hugely popular Vietnam war movie, We Were Soldiers. And I’m sure Mel’s wonderful movie about America’s fight for independence, The Patriot, didn’t sit well with them, either.
However, it was the production of his phenomenally successful film, The Passion Of The Christ, that no doubt took the Hollywood elite over the edge. That a Hollywood legend would dare to produce a movie that exalted, not denigrated, Christ’s redemptive work on the cross was more than they could stomach. They have had Gibson in their sights ever since.
Unfortunately, Mel Gibson provided the Hollywood elite the hammer and nails they needed to crucify him. His extremely foolish misconduct was just what his enemies were looking for. Now, they are attacking him with a vengeance! In fact, he has been castigated by almost everyone in the industry.
For example, according to press reports, ABC has already announced the cancellation of a planned miniseries about the Holocaust it was developing with Gibson’s Icon Productions.
In addition, Michael Levine, an agent who has represented super-stars such as Michael Jackson and Charlton Heston, said, “It’s a nuclear disaster for him [Gibson]. I don’t see how he can restore himself.” Throughout the industry, the sentiment is the same: “Gibson has committed vocational suicide and is dead in the water. It’s all over for him.”
Yet, I don’t remember anyone in Hollywood or in the national media saying it was “all over” for Jesse Jackson when back in 1984 he called Jews “Hymies” and referred to New York City as “Hymietown.” I don’t remember people saying it was “all over” for Michael Moore when he was quoted as placing Israel in his own personal “axis of evil.” Why, then, are the Hollywood elite saying it’s “all over” for Mel Gibson?
Gibson’s enemies even overlook the fact that instead of sending his publicist to handle the media (as most Hollywood stars would do), he personally took responsibility for his actions and comments. In fact, his humility and contriteness in the matter have been quite remarkable!
In addition, Gibson has admitted to a long-standing problem with alcohol addiction, and he has apologized profusely for his anti-Jewish words spoken in a drunken stupor. He has even said he was willing to meet with Jewish leaders in order to facilitate a healing. What more can the man do?
The answer is obvious: the Hollywood elite don’t care how sincere or how repentant Gibson is; they want Mel Gibson’s crucifixion! I believe the American people will see through Hollywood’s hypocrisy and hatred and will find it in their hearts to forgive Gibson’s foolishness. At least I certainly hope so.