In July 2006, Mel Gibson was arrested for drunk driving in Malibu. During the stop, the arrest report reveals that he unleashed a barrage of antisemitic slurs, including statements like “the Jews are responsible for all the wars in the world” and repeatedly asking the officer if he was Jewish. Gibson later apologized, calling it a product of drunken rambling and alcoholism, and met with Jewish leaders in an attempt at reconciliation.
Public and Jewish community reactions were mixed: while some welcomed his apology and willingness to engage, others insisted that true reconciliation requires long-term, demonstrable atonement. Beyond the DUI incident, Gibson had faced accusations of anti-Jewish stereotypes in The Passion of the Christ (2004), and both Gibson’s father (a Holocaust denier) and allegations by Winona Ryder added fuel to these concerns.
Did Jason Isaacs Meet Gibson Again: The Charity Event Encounter?
Fast-forward to 2025. Jason Isaacs, a Jewish actor known for roles in The Patriot and Harry Potter, revisits his encounter with Gibson during a Vulture interview. Isaacs had been invited to a charity cricket event celebrating Australians in film-his friend stipulated that Gibson would also be present. Initially reluctant, Isaacs attended with clear unease. Spotting Gibson, Isaacs leaned into sarcasm: “Rabbi Gibson, how are we?”—immediately invoking Gibson’s antisemitic past.Â
Gibson responded by sharing personal struggles, saying he had been “really drunk… trying to get [the officer] to hit me or shoot me,” revealing emotional vulnerability. Isaacs described feeling a moment of compassion-“maybe to my eternal shame-I forgave him instantly”-but clarified that this was fleeting, and Gibson clearly remained not his friend.
Isaacs’s Complex Perspective: Forgiveness Or Accountability
Unforgivable Actions, He calls Gibson’s antisemitic rant “unconscionable and unforgivable,” and criticizes The Passion of the Christ for its perceived demonization of Jews. Humanizing the Apology, Despite condemning Gibson’s words, Isaacs admits that Gibson’s repentant vulnerability at the event moved him.Â
Boundaries in Forgiveness Isaacs emphasizes that forgiving a moment of vulnerability is not the same as forgiving everything. He hasn’t forgiven Gibson and maintains distance.
Morally Guided Response, He notes that in a time of crisis-if Gibson were homeless-he would offer help. A small act of human kindness does not equate to absolution.
Isaacs’s words reflect his moral wrestling: holding Gibson accountable while acknowledging his humanity, yet firmly drawing clear boundaries.
Written by Nilesh Shiv