MEL DUI UPDATE: I AM "ASHAMED"
Posted on Friday July 28 @ 3:34pm EST
Updated on Sunday July 30 @ 11:20am EST
Updated on Monday July 31 @ 12:30pm EST
Mel Gibson, who was arrested by the Los Angeles County Sherrif's Department in Malibu early Friday morning for DUI, according to TMZ.com, issued a lengthy apology on Saturday in which he says he has "disgraced" himself and his family. Plus, Mel reveals that he has "battled the disease of alcoholism for all of my adult life." Bail for the actor was set at $5,000 and the arrest report listed the time of arrest as 2:36 a.m. and the time booked as 4:06 a.m., reported TMZ.com.
On Friday, Steve Whitmore, senior media advisor of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, told Star, "We are investigating Mr. Gibson's arrest right now. Since he was already treated and released, the officers have more time to prepare and file the case, which will then be presented to the District Attorney. We are taking this very seriously, as we would for anyone else who was arrested for a misdemeanor."
And it appears, Mel is taking the arrest seriously. His complete statement, released to the Associated Press, regarding the arrest for investigation of driving under the influence of alcohol is below:
"After drinking alcohol on Thursday night, I did a number of things that were very wrong and for which I am ashamed. I drove a car when I should not have, and was stopped by the L.A. County sheriff's. The arresting officer was just doing his job and I feel fortunate that I was apprehended before I caused injury to any other person.
"I acted like a person completely out of control when I was arrested, and said things that I do not believe to be true and which are despicable. I am deeply ashamed of everything I said and I apologize to anyone who I have offended.
"Also, I take this opportunity to apologize to the deputies involved for my belligerent behavior. They have always been there for me in my community and indeed probably saved me from myself. I disgraced myself and my family with my behavior and for that I am truly sorry.
"I have battled the disease of alcoholism for all of my adult life and profoundly regret my horrific relapse. I apologize for any behavior unbecoming of me in my inebriated state and have already taken necessary steps to ensure my return to health."
According to published accounts, Gibson made anti-Semitic comments during his arrest. David Twersky, the Director of International Affairs at the American Jewish Congress, spoke to Star in response to Gibson's alleged remarks, saying, "If this was a single incident standing in isolation — of a big shot thinking he's above the law, I would write if off, but this isn't an isolated incident, I think it's part of a pattern in which Mel Gibson spouts his bizarre views of History. I don't believe in censorship and every American has the right to decide for themselves. We will not call for a boycott of Mel Gibson, he's a very talented director and actor but it will take away from my enjoyment of any Mel Gibson projects in the future. I'm not going to tell people what to think but they should act appropriately to his grotesque behavior."Tell Us What You Think
