Jason Isaacs and Mel Gibson, who appeared together in Roland Emmerich’s 2000 historical drama “The Patriot,” have maintained an icy relationship off-screen, especially following Gibson’s widely publicized antisemitic comments made during a 2006 arrest. In a recent interview with Vulture, Isaacs referred to Gibson’s remarks as an “antisemitic outburst.”
Isaacs reflected on his interactions with Gibson, stating, “He was very charming personally, and he’s intelligent and self-deprecating. He’s said and done some things that are unconscionable and unforgivable.” He recounted being invited to a charity cricket event by a friend who mentioned Gibson would also be attending. Isaacs initially declined, having not seen Gibson since the incident that tarnished his public image.
“So I went, and Mel was there, and he called ‘Jace’ across the room, very friendly. I went, ‘Rabbi Gibson, how are we?'” Isaacs shared. He continued, revealing that Gibson expressed regret about his past behavior, stating, “I was really drunk, man. I was trying to get him to hit me or shoot me or something. I’m having a terrible time.” Although Isaacs admitted Gibson is “not my friend,” he confessed, “maybe to my eternal shame — I forgave him instantly because he was there making himself vulnerable.”
When asked whether individuals like Gibson deserve forgiveness, Isaacs responded, “No, you can’t forgive everything from everyone. I’m not saying I forgive Mel. I’ve seen him once a decade for five minutes. We text each other once in a blue moon about something or other.” He expressed uncertainty about Gibson’s portrayals, specifically mentioning a character in Gibson’s “The Passion of the Christ” that he believes incorrectly depicts Jewish people. However, he added that if Gibson sought refuge at his home, he would likely offer him a place to stay.
Gibson’s past remarks have severely impacted his career in Hollywood, yet he’s continued to receive support from some peers, including Robert Downey Jr. and Jodie Foster. Last year, Gibson told Esquire that he was grateful for Downey’s defense of him after his 2006 fallout, calling it a “bold and generous and kind” gesture.
He recalled, “One time, I got into a bit of a sticky situation where it kind of ended my career. I was drunk in the back of a police car and I said some stupid shit, and all of a sudden: blacklisted. I’m the poster boy for canceled.” He emphasized Downey’s support during a challenging time in his Hollywood career, highlighting the friendship they have maintained despite their ups and downs.
During the 2011 American Cinematheque Awards, Downey, who is Jewish, used his acceptance speech to advocate for Gibson, asking Hollywood to offer him a fresh start. “Unless you are completely without sin, in which case you picked the wrong fucking industry,” he remarked, suggesting that forgiveness should extend to Gibson.
In recent years, Gibson has continued to work in film, appearing alongside Mark Wahlberg in projects like “Daddy’s Home 2” and “Father Stu.”