Robert Downey Jr. asks us to forgive Mel Gibson

[Saltyk]

So Robert Downey Jr. has been defending Mel Gibson. Here's [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PR2RgOPa8Iw] a video from earlier in which some talking heads over at CNN discuss a recent interview in which Downey defended Mel Gibson. And this [http://movies.yahoo.com/news/robert-downey-jr-urges-hollywood-forgive-mel-gibson-194817993.html] is a story about Downey asking Hollywood to forgive Mel at a recent award ceremony in his honer.

To summarize the second one, Robert Downey Jr. received an American Cinematheque Award Friday. He requested that Mel Gibson be the one to give him his award. Something that most people in Hollywood would have asked NOT happen. After receiving his reward, he said, "I urge you to forgive my friend his trespasses. Allow him to pursue this art without shame." It seems he dedicated a whole portion of his speech to asking people to forgive Gibson.

For those who don't know, Robert Downey Jr. and Mel Gibson have been friends for a very long time, since they both appeared in Air America back in 1990. And Downey is no stranger to drama himself. Between 1996 and 2001, he had multiple well publicized bouts with drugs and went through numerous drug treatment programs and has had numerous run ins with the law. Mel Gibson helped Downey by paying his insurance bond in 2003 allowing him to play in The Singing Detective which paved the way for him to return to film making. So, if you think Robert Downey Jr. makes an awesome Iron Man, you can thank Mel Gibson for him even getting the chance. Apparently, all Mel asked in return is that Downey do the same favor to someone else who was struggling. Odds are he didn't know that he'd be the one Downey ending up helping.

So, Escapists, what do you all think?

Personally, I respect Downey for doing this. It seems he has really stuck by Mel. And requesting that a Hollywood pariah be the one to give him his reward seems like a hell of a way to do just that. I don't think we should forget anything Mel Gibson has done. Be it the anti-Semite slurs or calling up his estranged girlfriend and cursing her out. Those are not minor things. However, I have enjoyed plenty of his movies. And he's always seemed like a nice enough person in the past, judging by some of the behind the scenes specials I've seen. I think we can forgive some transgressions for now. Hopefully, he won't repeat any of his mistakes in the future. Hey, if Tom Cruise can continue making movies, why not Mel Gibson?

 

[StrixMaxima]

Even though Mel Gibson is the very definition of an asshat, I think Downey's attitude to be laudable and faithful towards a personal friend in need.

Returning the favor is one of the noblest things we can do. It's apparently an easy thing to do, but History will prove us otherwise, time and again.

So, kudos, Mr. Stark.

 

[Jegsimmons]

i think thats real classy of RDJ. and frankly i already forgave Mel of his drunkardness.
and lets be honest, everyone here has done dick things in the past, the only difference is that we dont have the curse of haveing it in every newspaper or news channel in the nation.

So Mr. Downy Jr. i tip my hat to you for haveing enough courage to publicly forgive someone like Mel.

 

[Darius Brogan]

I don't even know what's going on, so could someone fill me in.

I'd like to know the full story.

 

[CM156_v1legacy]

Well, if Iron Man says to do it, I guess I've no choice in the matter.

To be honest though, I admire loyalty like that. Tip of the hat.

 

[trooper6]

Robert Downey Jr. can say whatever he likes, and more power to him. However, Mel Gibson has been homophobic, misogynistic, and anti-Semitic for decades...not just recently.

I am a consumer. When I give money to films with Mel Gibson, I am saying that the trespasses he has been doing for ages are not that important to me. Or at least not as important to my entertainment. Capitalism says that we as consumers have responsibility when and where we spend our money. Money is powerful. Money is acceptance and endorsement. I do not endorse Mel Gibson's views and I do not approve of them...so I will not give him money. There are many, many, many entertaining and wonderful works of art by people who don't offend me. I can give them money instead.

 

[Phantomess]

Yet another reason to completely love RDJ. That is textbook friendship, right there. Besides, who are we to say that he's wrong? Maybe Gibson needs a second chance the way that RDJ did. He's worked hard at cleaning up his image and making some excellent films (I rate Iron Man and Sherlock Holmes right up there with some of the best) and it's paid off.

Besides, everyone remember what Johnny Depp used to be like in the nineties? Our friendly Capt. Jack Sparrow was not a cleaned-up good boy like he's been since he had kids. He was QUITE the rebel... perhaps not to the abusive state that Gibson has been, but he sure wasn't a good boy.

 

[Dags90]

i think thats real classy of RDJ. and frankly i already forgave Mel of his drunkardness.
and lets be honest, everyone here has done dick things in the past, the only difference is that we dont have the curse of haveing it in every newspaper or news channel in the nation.

So Mr. Downy Jr. i tip my hat to you for haveing enough courage to publicly forgive someone like Mel.

I think anti-Semetic rants are a step above "dick things", and I don't think everyone here has done that.

Even ignoring the uncomfortable anti-Semetism, I just don't like Gibson as an actor. Pretty sure Gibson is going to go the way of Kramer (what was his name again?).

 

[gmaverick019_v1legacy]

Even though Mel Gibson is the very definition of an asshat, I think Downey's attitude to be laudable and faithful towards a personal friend in need.

Returning the favor is one of the noblest things we can do. It's apparently an easy thing to do, but History will prove us otherwise, time and again.

So, kudos, Mr. Stark.

yeah this.

i enjoy both their movies, but doesn't mean i won't think of gibson as a jackass all the same.

 

[Ghengis John]

For those who don't know, Robert Downey Jr. and Mel Gibson have been friends for a very long time, since they both appeared in Air America back in 1990. And Downey is no stranger to drama himself. Between 1996 and 2001, he had multiple well publicized bouts with drugs and went through numerous drug treatment programs and has had numerous run ins with the law. Mel Gibson helped Downey by paying his insurance bond in 2003 allowing him to play in The Singing Detective which paved the way for him to return to film making. So, if you think Robert Downey Jr. makes an awesome Iron Man, you can thank Mel Gibson for him even getting the chance. Apparently, all Mel asked in return is that Downey do the same favor to someone else who was struggling. Odds are he didn't know that he'd be the one Downey ending up helping.

Ahhh that's pretty touching. I for one find it possible to forgive anybody, it's not like Gibson did any harm to me personally and I'm moved to see Downy sticking by his friend.

I respect the fact that he came forward and tried to do this. But Mel Gibson truly is an asshole. He will not get any forgiveness from me.

Jesus lady it's not like he killed anybody. So much unadulterated hate. Arnold Schwarzenegger cheated on his wife for 13 years but somehow people aren't giving him half as many stink eyes. I don't know how people arrive at their value assessments but if I did something stupid (perhaps you are thinking I did in making this post right about now) I know I'd appreciate a little forgiveness.

 

[Roberto Hadi]

I think Gibson can relaunch his career playing villains now and it would work. He'll just be the cartoon he is now and someone would shoot him in the end. He's done as leading man though. I think I can still enjoy a performance by him if I don't have to root for him.

 

[Jegsimmons]

i think thats real classy of RDJ. and frankly i already forgave Mel of his drunkardness.
and lets be honest, everyone here has done dick things in the past, the only difference is that we dont have the curse of haveing it in every newspaper or news channel in the nation.

So Mr. Downy Jr. i tip my hat to you for haveing enough courage to publicly forgive someone like Mel.

I think anti-Semetic rants are a step above "dick things", and I don't think everyone here has done that.

Even ignoring the uncomfortable anti-Semetism, I just don't like Gibson as an actor. Pretty sure Gibson is going to go the way of Kramer (what was his name again?).

well get drunk and record what you WONT SAY. so i dont hold it as his true feelings towards the community. and seriously, im sure at least one person who will comment on this thread has done WORSE sober.

 

[Something Amyss]

well get drunk and record what you WONT SAY. so i dont hold it as his true feelings towards the community. and seriously, im sure at least one person who will comment on this thread has done WORSE sober.

I'm inclined to agree. I've heard a lot of drunk talk, and most of it's just that: talk.

I'm not a big fan of following personal lives, anyway. I mean, if Gibson goes and calls for the extermination of Jews in a public forum, I'd be all over that, but short of actually harming someone or calling for harm...He's just a celebrity. I don't have to live with him or anything.

I'm sure many of the people we cheer in Hollywood are utter fucking scum, but smart or lucky enough to have not had a major Mel Gibson moment.

Besides, if people can forgive Dog the Bounty Hunter....

 

[WolfThomas]

Well, if Iron Man says to do it, I guess I've no choice in the matter.

To be honest though, I admire loyalty like that. Tip of the hat.

This next in, Mel Gibson to play Kang the Conqueror.

 

[Saltyk]

For those who don't know, Robert Downey Jr. and Mel Gibson have been friends for a very long time, since they both appeared in Air America back in 1990. And Downey is no stranger to drama himself. Between 1996 and 2001, he had multiple well publicized bouts with drugs and went through numerous drug treatment programs and has had numerous run ins with the law. Mel Gibson helped Downey by paying his insurance bond in 2003 allowing him to play in The Singing Detective which paved the way for him to return to film making. So, if you think Robert Downey Jr. makes an awesome Iron Man, you can thank Mel Gibson for him even getting the chance. Apparently, all Mel asked in return is that Downey do the same favor to someone else who was struggling. Odds are he didn't know that he'd be the one Downey ending up helping.

Ahhh that's pretty touching. I for one find it possible to forgive anybody, it's not like Gibson did any harm to me personally and I'm moved to see Downy sticking by his friend.

Yeah, that's pretty much why I posted this. Is it odd to say that I'm proud of Robert Downey Jr. for doing this? Whatever you think of Mel Gibson, you gotta admit that Downey is really a class act for this. I almost wanna root for Mel just because Downey is sticking by him AND because he helped Downey when he was down. Anyone who would do that for a friend deserves some credit.

On another note, did you use to have an avatar from Farscape? I think we had a nice little debate once.

 

[Rad Party God]

Kudos for Mr. Stark for defending his friend, even if he's a bit coocoo.

 

[Soviet Steve]

I don't know who Robert is, but I'll be happy to meet Mr. Gibson and hear his side of things and give him time to make up for his trespass.