Despite Domestic Violence & Racism Accusations, Robert Downey Jr. Believed Mel Gibson Deserved Better From Hollywood: “He’s hugged the cactus long enough”

Despite Domestic Violence & Racism Accusations, Robert Downey Jr. Believed Mel Gibson Deserved Better From Hollywood
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Nothing in Hollywood ever gets resurrected sooner than Mel Gibson’s career and fame, despite his constant headline-making scandalous accusations. It can be stated with assurance that no other actor would stand a chance after facing antisemitism, domestic violence allegations, and s*xism and racism accusations, like Gibson.

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Mel Gibson
Mel Gibson

While Mel Gibson successfully sustains his career in the entertainment industry despite being smothered with grave accusations, Robert Downey Jr took a stand and sought forgiveness for the veteran actor. Pleading with the industry and the audiences to forgive Gibson, the MCU actor reflected upon how he was forgiven and offered a chance despite his tumultuous past. 

Also read: Mel Gibson Got So Fat He Wasn’t Even Fit for Playing Santa: “Just because we call it fatman doesn’t mean you have to be obese”

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Mel Gibson Accused Of Domestic Violence And Racism

Mel Gibson has been rolling in the dirt for a while, with his blatant comments and hurtful opinions against certain groups of people and communities. Facing the wrath of the public, the actor was canceled by fans after his obnoxious remarks against Jews and women. Previously, during an encounter with a Jewish LA traffic cop, Gibson blurted antisemitic remarks while drunk. 

Mel Gibson
Gibson was accused of domestic violence

Further, the actor was accused of vicious abuse and domestic violence by his former partner, Oksana Grigorieva. According to a recording presented by Grigorieva, Gibson was heard explaining why she had “deserved” him hitting her. Making obscene remarks about her outfits, the actor then blurted violent comments. “You look like a f*cking b*tch on heat and if you get r*ped by a pack of [n-words] it will be your fault,” the actor shouted in the recording. 

Mel Gibson
Gibson made racist and antisemitic remarks

However, after the issue was sorted with his former partner, Mel Gibson engaged in further controversies surrounding racist remarks. Having a staunch belief in one true god, Gibson was reported to engage in repeated antisemitic abuse. Thus, with his racist comments, the actor significantly damaged his entertainment career. 

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Also read: “If his next movie makes money they will somehow work with him”: Robin Williams Was Kind Enough to Forgive Mel Gibson After His Career Threatening Controversies

Robert Downey Jr Asked People To Forgive Mel Gibson 

Although Mel Gibson was tragically struck down in Hollywood after his inconsiderate remarks and opinions, the veteran actor undoubtedly resurrected his fame all over again. With constant support from his fellow actors and fans, Gibson successfully mend his career all over again. And among his supporters, Robert Downey Jr played a major role. 

Robert Downey Jr is best known for playing Iron Man
Robert Downey Jr praised Gibson

Appearing at the 25th Annual American Cinematheque Award Ceremony, the Iron Man actor sought Hollywood’s forgiveness for Mel Gibson. Initially, the Braveheart actor was called on stage to honor Robert Downey Jr with the prestigious award. However, the motive stated,

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The Cinematheque was concerned a bit about Robert’s checkered past, so they chose someone to present the award who could help balance that out and the choice was so obvious, Mel Gibson” 

Following the sarcastic remarks from Garry Shandling, Robert Downey Jr thus took the opportunity to serve Gibson with kinder words. Downey stated,

I asked Mel to present this award for me for a reason. When I couldn’t get sober, he told me not to give up hope and encouraged me to find my faith.”

Recalling his worse days, the MCU actor further added how the veteran star helped him forgive himself.

Robert Downey Jr
Robert Downey Jr wants Hollywood to forgive Mel Gibson

Thus seeking people’s forgiveness for Gibson, Downey stated,

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I would ask that you join me…in forgiving my friend his trespasses and offering him the same clean slate you have me. He’s hugged the cactus long enough.”

Following Robert Downey Jr’s speech, the crowd applauded vigorously. Although Gibson didn’t require Downey’s speech for forgiveness, it certainly made the veteran actor feel emotional. 

Read more: “Usually, there’s 38 phone calls”: Robert Downey Jr. Was Stunned With Christopher Nolan at His Doorstep After His $251M Box-Office Disaster

Source: Entertainment Weekly

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Written by Krittika Mukherjee

Articles Published: 1461

Krittika is a News Writer at FandomWire with 2 years of prior experience in lifestyle and web content writing. With her previous works available on HubPages and Medium, she has woven over 1000 stories with us, about fan-favorite actors, movies, and shows. Post-graduate in Journalism and Honors-graduate in English Literature, when this art enthusiast isn't crafting your next favorite article, she finds her escapism in coffee, fiction, and the Wizarding World.