During an interview, American actor Winona Ryder accused actor and filmmaker Mel Gibson of making anti-Semitic and anti-gay comments. Ryder recalled a disturbing incident from 1995 when Gibson allegedly made offensive remarks towards her gay friend and derogatory comments about Jews.
This incident is not the only instance of Gibson’s anti-Semitic behavior, as Gibson had previously made similar comments during a DUI arrest in 2006 according to a police report. In the interview, Ryder mentioned her personal connection to the issue, stating that although she is not religious, she still identifies with her Jewish heritage.
Winona Ryder alleged that Mel Gibson made offensive remarks involving homophobia and anti-Semitism
When questioned by a reporter about encountering anti-Semitism within the industry, Winona Ryder shared numerous instances as her response. “I have … in interesting ways,” she explained. “There are times when people have said, ‘Wait, you’re Jewish? But you’re so pretty!'”
Over the years, she has consistently shared a distressing encounter with Mel Gibson, which she recounted once again when discussing her experiences.
“We were at a crowded party with one of my good friends,” she said. “And Mel Gibson was smoking a cigar, and we’re all talking and he said to my friend, who’s gay, ‘Oh wait, am I gonna get AIDS?’ And then something came up about Jews, and he said, ‘You’re not an oven dodger, are you?’”.
According to Ryder, Gibson made an attempt to apologize at a later point.
The Persistent Allegations Against Mel Gibson
Ryder’s comments served as a reminder to the public about Gibson’s history of misconduct. Over the course of his career, Gibson has faced a multitude of accusations, spanning from anti-Semitism, homophobia, and racism, to domestic violence.
In relation to an incident on January 6, 2010, involving his former girlfriend, Oksana Grigorieva, Mel Gibson also faced charges of misdemeanor domestic violence in Los Angeles Superior Court. Mel Gibson also made a widely publicized anti-Semitic statement during a DUI arrest in 2006, as documented in a police report, where he reportedly said, “The Jews are responsible for all the wars in the world!”
According to sources, Gibson’s denial of Ryder’s accusation, disregarding her perspective instead of acknowledging it, has led people in the industry to question if Gibson has truly changed. There is a growing reconsideration by industry professionals about collaborating with the multifaceted artist.
Regardless of the controversies surrounding Mel Gibson outside of the camera, he has established himself as a respectful and well-regarded colleague, known for his exceptional work ethic on set. Many individuals who have collaborated with this esteemed actor have exclusively expressed positive experiences in their professional relationships with him, whether during on-location filming or while traveling together for press tours.
Source: GQ
