Despite Mel Gibson’s iconic legacy, he has been a controversial figure. Additionally, Gibson’s career has been marred by various controversies, including instances of making anti-Semitic remarks, facing allegations of domestic violence, and being caught on tape making racially insensitive comments.
These incidents sparked public outrage and damaged his reputation in the entertainment industry. Gibson has apologized several times and has also opened up about being blackballed by Hollywood. In an interview with Variety, Gibson talked about Robert Downey Jr. coming to his aid.
He talked about his cancellation and being the poster boy of cancellation. “One time, I got into a bit of a sticky situation where it kind of ended my career. I was drunk in the back of a police car and I said some stupid shit, and all of a sudden: blacklisted. I’m the poster boy for canceled.“
The ‘Mad Max‘ actor talked about Robert being the only one to stand up for him and showered him with praise. “A couple of years into that Robert invited me to some kind of award he was getting we always had this kind of seesaw thing, where if he was on the wagon, I was falling off, and if I was on the wagon, he was falling off. So I was pretty much nonexistent in Hollywood at the time, and he stood up and spoke for me. It was a bold and generous and kind gesture. I loved him for that.”
How Did Robert Downey Jr. Help Mel Gibson?
The awards Gibson was talking about were the 2011 American Cinematheque Awards ceremony. Additionally, Robert received the annual prize and decided to use his speech to help Mel. He asked the people to forgive Gibson just like they forgave him. He said, “Forgiving my friend his trespasses, offering him the same clean slate you have given me, and allowing him to continue his great and ongoing contribution to our collective art without shame.”
Robert further talked about giving Gibson a second chance “unless you are completely without sin. In which case you picked the wrong fucking industry, then you should consider giving Gibson a second chance.”
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