Los Angeles, CA – Oscar-winning director Mel Gibson was embroiled in a fresh anti-Semitism row Thursday after he was accused of shelving a movie about a famous Jewish revolt because he “hates Jews.”
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The allegations from Hollywood screenwriter Joe Eszterhas came after studio Warner Bros announced it was putting on hold “The Maccabees,” which Gibson had been penciled in to direct, because the film “lacked a sense of triumph.”
But Eszterhas, best known for writing the thrillers Jagged Edge and Basic Instinct, let rip at Gibson in a nine-page letter which accused the “Braveheart” star of pulling out because of alleged anti-Semitism.
“I’ve come to the conclusion that the reason you won’t make ‘The Maccabees’ is the ugliest possible one. You hate Jews,” Eszterhas wrote in the letter, which was reproduced on the movie and entertainment website The Wrap.
Gibson, whose reputation has plummeted since 2006 when he was caught on tape making an anti-Semitic rant at a US sheriff’s deputy who had arrested him for drunk-driving, was also accused of taking on the project under false pretenses.
“I’ve come to the conclusion that you never had, or have, any intention of making a film about the Maccabees,” said Eszterhas.
“I believe you announced the project with great fanfare — ‘a Jewish Braveheart’ — in an attempt to deflect continuing charges of anti-Semitism which have dogged you, charges which have crippled your career,” he wrote.
During his July 2006 arrest, Gibson said that Jews were responsible for all the wars in the world, but later apologized for the “despicable” comments which he blamed on alcoholism.
In a statement issued after Eszterhas’s letter went viral, Gibson denounced the allegations made against him as “utter fabrications,” and said the project was dropped because the script was not good enough.
“I absolutely want to make this movie; it’s just that neither Warner Brothers nor I want to make this movie based on your script,” Gibson wrote in a letter posted on Deadline Hollywood, another movie industry website.
“Honestly, Joe, not only was the script delivered later than you promised, both Warner Brothers and I were extraordinarily disappointed with the draft.
“In 25 years of script development I have never seen a more substandard first draft or a more significant waste of time. The decision not to proceed with you was based on the quality of your script, not on any other factor.”
“The Maccabees,” was intended as a drama based on Judah Maccabee, widely revered as one of the greatest warriors in Jewish history alongside Joshua, Gideon and David.
They say the true charachter comes out when someone is drunk and can”t guard
his tongue. If I see a show with Mel Gibson on TV I switch channels.
I don’t care for Mel Gibson, never have, and never will.
.זה ממש סערה בכוס מים
Let’s face it, important as the story of Yehuda Hamaccabee may be for yidden, it would never be a box-office record breaker – outside Israel.
I have only 2 words to say on the subject of Mel Gibson–WHO CARES ?!
Gibson made reference to jews as ‘oven dodgers’, and I suppose that means we might have wanted to live through the holocaust. I hope he is not too much of a hell dodger for that is likely his fate.
That’s a mighty ignorant statement, #3. “The Ten Commandments” was a Hollywood blockbuster that’s still popular more than 50 years later. The same for
“Exodus,” about the creation of Israel. The Entebbe movies were all popular. Tarantino’s movie three years ago about a fictional Jewish army unit that killed Nazis was a huge hit around the world. “Masada,” the 1981 miniseries, was tremendously popular and the DVDs are still selling well.
Not only does Mel Gibson hate Jews, but he punched his former Russian girlfriend, while she was holding their baby; and, he got away with it, as no criminal charges were filed! In addition, there is a Jewish actress who recently stated that she went to as party where Mel Gibson was in attendance. Although he was not drunk, he continued to make anti-semitic remarks in her presence. This occurred before the incident with the Jewish deputy sheriff. Hence, his defense that he was drunk when detained by the sheriff, was bogus!
To #6 - Also, the movie “Defiance”, which was a true story about the Bielski brothers and their partisan units, fighting the Nazis, was very popular.
This screenwriter wrote such filth- I don’t blame mel gibson for skipping the garbage
Why would a Christian anti-Semite decline to make a movie about the Macabees? The story of Channukah took place way before the christ-era, and,I’m sure the Nazarene admired and praised the Chashmono’im for their fight for religious freedom. (The Greeks were against ANY Monotheistic religion.)
I believe 2 things:
1) Mel Gibson is an anti-semite.
2) His anti-Semitism is NOT the reason for his refusal to make this movie at this time.
Jew-hater. Wife-beater. Drunk. Makes two hour snuff films.
What’s to like about this guy?
1) Gibson has a history of anti Semitic outbursts.
2) In this particular case, don’t confuse the director’s allegation, with something Gibson said.
3) Mad Max is long past his expiration date and should go haunt a mansion someplace with Norma Desmond.
No matter what Gibson writes, directs, has acted in or will act in…I will never watch again! I put my time, energy and money into people who either are smart enough to keep their mouth shut. If they are ignorant enough to be in the limelight and voice their opinion and it doesn’t coincide with mine, they’re done!
He may be the biggest anti-semite, but not going ahead with a movie doesn’t mean anything, and Joe needs a better reason for his rant.
Whats his problem with jews?? i think mr mel gibson needs some therapy And/Or Some anti depressant to fight of His Depression…
Didn’t El Rushbo jump to his defense when the media reported Gibson’s abuse of his domestic partner?