Mel Gibson is no stranger to controversy. Over the years, he’s said a number of things that have made headlines, whether its due to his ultra-religious/conservative views, misogynistic comments, or anti-Semitic remarks. And while it appears that over the years, people have been forgiving of his words, there are some in Hollywood that won’t forget the things he’s said and done, including Winona Ryder.
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Speaking to The Sunday Times, Ryder explained that she was at a party and ran into Mel Gibson. And in one conversation, the actor said things that were homophobic and anti-Semitic.
“We were at a crowded party with one of my good friends,” she explained. “And Mel Gibson was smoking a cigar, and we’re all talking and he said to my friend, who’s gay, ‘Oh wait, am I gonna get AIDS?’ And then something came up about Jews, and he said, ‘You’re not an oven dodger, are you?’”
Again, these comments come after years of reported incidents where Gibson has said things that are offensive. In 2006, it is reported that after being pulled over for a DUI, the actor blamed the world’s wars on Jewish people in a drunken rant. Back in the ‘90s, Gibson also ran into controversy for homophobic comments that angered many, including those at GLAAD. He eventually apologized, and again, blamed it on alcohol. Then, of course, there are the racist and misogynistic comments made in 2010 to his partner, where he used the N-word and threatened her.
As mentioned, most of these issues were brought to light before the current political climate where actors and other celebrities are experiencing harsh consequences for their words and actions. We’ll have to see if a reminder about Gibson’s history with offensive language and views will be enough for the actor to face consequences once again.