In a joint statement, local Jewish leaders in New Orleans pointed to Mel Gibson's "long history of making anti-Semitic, racist and misogynistic slurs" as the most likely explanation for what prompted the parade threats and anger from the public. Members of the ADL (Anti-Defamation League), the Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans, the Greater New Orleans Clergy Council, and the Jewish Community Relations Council all came together to issue the joint statement on Sunday, January 8.
"While the actor has made half-hearted attempts to apologize for his remarks over the years," the groups' statement noted, "there is still a great deal of pain associated with his name and deep wounds in the Jewish community from those controversies, which may never heal."
Gibson, 67, came under fire in 2006 for making anti-Semitic comments during a widely publicized DUI arrest. According to the police report, Gibson said "the Jews are responsible for all the wars in the world" and "f***ing Jews" (via CBS News). The "Braveheart" and "Passion of the Christ" director has also been accused of saying the Holocaust was "mostly a lot of horses**t" and allegedly talking about killing his former girlfriend (via CNN).
"We hope the Endymion leadership will take the opportunity to learn why the selection of Mel Gibson caused such pain and disappointment to the Jewish community as well as the marginalized communities he has harmed in the past," said the Jewish groups. "Mardi Gras is a celebration of the spirit of New Orleans. Endymion choosing a Grand Marshal with a strong record of hatred sent the wrong message about the event."
