Gibson's Career Safe Despite Recent Incident, Says Christian Media Critic
by Allie Martin and Fred Jackson
August 1, 2006
(AgapePress) - - A well-known media critic says Mel Gibson's recent arrest for drunk driving may not have a long-term impact on his influence on Hollywood.Last Friday, Gibson -- producer of the 2004 blockbuster film The Passion of the Christ -- was arrested by Los Angeles County Sheriff's deputies for driving while intoxicated. Gibson reportedly made a number of anti-Semitic remarks, claiming that the Jews were responsible for all the wars in the world. The actor later issued a public apology, announcing through a publicist that he had made some "despicable" remarks but making no mention of the reported anti-Semitic comments. He has now apparently entered a rehabilitation program to deal with alcohol abuse.
Ted Baehr is founder of MovieGuide and chairman of the Christian Film and Television Commission. Baehr says while Gibson's actions are deplorable, they probably will not end his career or influence.
"The industry is not the industry of the founding fathers of the movie industry, which was predominantly an industry controlled by people out of the garment district who were Jewish," says Baehr. "The point of the matter is that what they want are people who are team players."
The Christian media expert believes that Gibson's success with The Passion will overshadow his arrest and controversial remarks. As he points out, the actor-producer is not a quitter.
"Mel Gibson's career has been over many times," notes Baehr, "and he's reinvented himself many times. Mel has stooped many times to get back into the industry, and I wouldn't be surprised that he wouldn't do anything he could to get back into the industry again." Baehr encourages Christians to pray for Mel Gibson and his battle with alcoholism.
Meanwhile, the Wall Street Journal reported today (August 1) that the ABC television network has pulled a miniseries about the Holocaust that was developed by Gibson's production company. A few years ago, during the media attention given the release of The Passion, it was learned that Gibson's father is a Holocaust denier.
Allie Martin and Fred Jackson, regular contributors to AgapePress, report for American Family Radio News, which can be heard online.
