Isaacs Reflects on Relationship with Gibson After Antisemitic Rants

LOS ANGELES, CA — Actor Jason Isaacs has opened up about his complicated relationship with fellow actor Mel Gibson, 25 years after they starred together in the film “The Patriot.” In a recent interview with Vulture, Isaacs, who is Jewish, expressed his feelings about Gibson’s infamous antisemitic outburst that took place in 2006.

Isaacs, 62, revealed that he had not seen Gibson since the actor’s 2006 arrest, where Gibson made derogatory comments to a police officer. “I was invited by my friend to some charity cricket event for Australians in film. And he said, ‘If you come, Mel will.’ And I said, ‘I don’t want to see Mel,'” Isaacs explained.

Despite his reservations, Isaacs attended the charity event where he encountered Gibson. During their interaction, Gibson approached Isaacs and acknowledged his past behavior, saying, “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.” Isaacs described the encounter as Gibson being vulnerable.

Isaacs made it clear that while he does not consider Gibson a friend, he granted him forgiveness in that moment. “I forgave him instantly because he was there making himself vulnerable,” Isaacs stated.

Following his arrest, Gibson issued a public apology for his remarks. “There is no excuse, nor should there be any tolerance, for anyone who thinks or expresses any kind of antisemitic remark,” Gibson said at the time. He acknowledged that his words carried weight in the public arena and took responsibility for those who had been hurt by his actions.

In his interview, Isaacs clarified his stance on forgiveness. “I’m not saying I forgive Mel. I’ve seen him once a decade for five minutes,” he said. He expressed ongoing discomfort over Gibson’s portrayal of a character in one of his films, which Isaacs believes depicts a negative stereotype of Jews.

Despite their strained relationship, Isaacs added, “If he knocked on my door tonight and said, ‘Look, my hotel’s canceled. Can I stay?’ I’d say, ‘Yes,’ probably.” A representative for Gibson has not yet commented on Isaacs’ statements.