CBS News/ October 17, 2011, 8:25 AM

Downey Jr.: It's time to forgive Mel Gibson

A big Hollywood star is saying it's time to forgive Mel Gibson.

Fifteen months ago, we first heard a tape of man who sounded very much like Gibson making vicious threats against his ex-girlfriend. It was the low point of a long downward spiral that included an anti-Semitic rant to police during a 2006 DUI arrest.

On Friday, the Oscar-winner presented the American Cinematheque Award to his friend Robert Downey, Jr., who then told the audience, "Unless you are without sin -- and if you are, you are in the wrong (expletive) industry -- you should forgive him and let him work."

Numerous presenters made reference to Downey's own, well-chronicled troubles -- his long battle with addiction -- and the theme of the night was the remarkable turnaround that revived Downey's career (a teen actor and Oscar nominee in his mid-20s, Downey then fell into drug and alcohol addiction, and eventually landed in jail). But the evening's highlight was when Gibson arrived to present the award.

Pictures: Mel Gibson

Gibson's rant and threats directed at ex-girlfriend Oksana Grigorieva were the bottom of his public downward spiral, which included the infamous anti-Semitic rant to police.

Since then, Gibson has been inching back into the public eye. His latest movie, "The Beaver," debuted in May in 36th place at the box office.

Dalton Ross, assistant managing editor of Entertainment Weekly, joined "The Early Show" Monday to talk about Gibson's public rehabilitation. Check out Ross' interview in the video below.

21 Comments Add a Comment

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karlasona says:: Really Robert? Do you think his views and behaviors have changed? Or is he just trying to make nice? Robert, you have been forgiven and welcomed back by the entire world for your follies .. but you never hurt anyone but yourself .. His is another story .. Nope, can't do it.; reply

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jumbodee says:: I think sometimes people forget how long Mel Gibson's career has been, and how many really great films he has made...some personal favorites include "Gallipoli," "The Road Warrior," and "Braveheart". I am politically very conservative, socially pretty liberal, and I disagree with many things Mr. Gibson has said (and allegedly said) over the years. However, if I boycotted movies based solely on my perception of stated views with which I take exception, I would be depriving myself of a lot of stimulating and worthwhile entertainment.... Mel Gibson may (or may not) have a personality disorder and significant character flaws, but I can still watch "Apocalypto" and appreciate his talent as a film maker.; reply

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cjfox5 says:: I can forgive bad behavior, but not a bad person. Gibson is a sexist, racist, and antisemite. The fact that he gets drunk publically and shows us who he is is just stupidity for a public person. Yes, there are other bad people, but they don't throw it in the public face, the same public he expects to pay to see his films.
Downey, however, struggled for a long time, and beat his demons - drugs and alchohol. I think he deserves all the respect in the world.
Actually, forgiveness is not an appropriate term. God does that, not us. But giving respect where it is due, that is man's choice. An I have no respect for Gibson, a narcissist (lover of self, caring little or nothing for everyone else).; reply

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formerusmcsgt1 says:: Gibson is a popular man.....not much of a man obviously, but popular.; reply

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wardove says:: I like mel , we all have issues we work through time and again.(brave heart is one of my favorite); reply

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nowthatumentionit says:: It's my understanding that he's bipolar. He doesn't talk about it because he doesn't want to be the poster child for that disease, but if he is, well, that needs to be taken into consideration by all those out there still judging him....; reply

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Scarlett30ca says:

I forgave Mel when this happened and wasn't scared to remain a loyal fan through it. Why didn't Robert Downy Jr. speak up earlier?? His words are useless now that the Hollywood hatewave is dying out,if he spoke up earlier I would have said "WOW" now it's just like Okay, nice words but a little late to make a dent. He said what needed to be said by the celebs side though, they do have influence they just don't speak up or defend anybody till it's not worth anything.


lacpeb replies:: linkicon reporticon emailicon; Why would you slight someone for doing what's right? Shame on YOU.

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DenverBroncofan says:: by credibility2 October 17, 2011 1:08 PM EDT
I'm sure Gibson has asked God for forgiveness...for others not to do the same is a sin and hypocritical at the very least...
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I couldn't agree more. I am not offended by anything said unless it's directed at me personally...So I reaaly don't think he should even have to ask the general public in the first place. He lives next door to a friend of mine in Santa Monica along with Wesley Snipes. I have met him on the elevator and must say, he doesn't hold his nose up like many celebs.; reply

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baileyccc says:: When all you can get for a girlfriend is a skank, the results is always predictable.; reply

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erasmus111 says:

It's easier to forgive Robert Downey Jr. He went to rehab to fix his drug/alcohol problem. We might be able to forgive Mel Gibson if that was his only problem and got help for it. But that isn't the case. The guy is anti-Semitic. He's a racist. He's an abuser. Unlikely you are going to fix that! It's who he is. Sure, he MIGHT learn to keep his mouth shut, but you still know what's going on in his brain. It's still who he is. And the next time he drinks, or gets angry, that crap will come out again.


erasmus111 replies:: linkicon reporticon emailicon; It's the people that are totally OBSESSED with "celebrities" and "Hollywood" that are willing to forgive his totally unacceptable behavior. Oh, and then there are all the other RACISTS and abusers, too, that think there is nothing wrong with what he has said and done.