What about the apology?

In regards to the anti-semitic remarks made during his arrest for a DUI, Gibson's apology was definitely appropriate. It probably would have created an even larger uprising had he not apologized, considering how colossal of a public figure he is.

Had the incident simply involved a DUI, Gibson could have probably gotten away with saying that he just acted irrationally. The public would have been very forgiving; actors are people, too, and people can always get too carried away with alcohol. Because Gibson tossed in those anti-semite remarks, however, his situation changed drastically. Those remarks instantly made him a target as a source of prejudice and anti-semitism. He then had to publicly apologize and admit to saying those things even in light of the previously alleged anti-semitic notions of his film "The Passion of the Christ."

The apology itself was pretty all-inclusive. He only left out his exact wording when referring to his remarks. Jewish community leaders, however, were unsatisfied. This incident required more than a simple apology, as Gibson has many more bases to cover in regards to his alleged anti-semitism than this one DUI. Of course, the apology helps his case. If he didn't apologize, some people might have been after his life. Regardless, he owes more than a public, televised statement. At this point, only further action to actually demonstrate his sincerity will convince the Jewish community he is not an anti-semite.

Gibson's Drunken Tirade

On July 28 2006, Oscar-winning actor and director Mel Gibson was arrested on a DUI charge by local police in Malibu, California. A breathalyzer test confirmed Gibson's BAC as .12%, clearly exceeding the state's legal limit of .08%. Upon arrest, Gibson made several anti-semitic remarks to officer James Mee, voicing such profanities as "f***ing jews" and "the jews are responsible for all the wars in the world". Gibson was later contained in a detox-cell until he posted bail the following morning. That next saturday, he issued the following statement.

Initially, one may see this particular incident as simply a feat of drunkenness, where unintentional remarks are made due to the effects of alcohol on the brain. In this case, however, Mel Gibson was not only reprimanded for drunk driving. His anti-semitism has been in question since the release of his graphic film "The Passion of the Christ," due mostly to its very explicit depiction of jewish discrimination in biblical times. It also doesn't help the case when Gibson's father, Hutton Gibson, has been quoted to deny the occurrence of the Holocaust.

Does/did the Jewish community deserve in an apology? Absolutely. Gibson has a lot of ground to cover in terms of totally clearing any anti-semitic sentiment he is alluded to have. His apology seemed fair, as he openly admitted to making those anti-semitic remarks, though it is not the only task he must complete before he is essentially "acquitted" by his peers.