In an extensive interview with Deadline, embattled actor Mel Gibson broke his silence and addressed some of his most notorious scandals, including his drunken anti-Semitic rant and his threatening voice messages to former girlfriend Oksana Grigorieva.
Gibson said no one demonstrated anger towards him for his verbally abusive recorded phone call to Grigorieva. The “Braveheart” star, however, said he was unhappy with himself.
“I was angry at me. But, no one expressed any anger at me. They may have felt it,” Gibson said.
Asked if he regrets what he said in the recordings, Gibson answered, “Of course.”
Though he said he feels bad about what his comments, Gibson said he still feels he was betrayed, and he repeatedly refused to provide much information on his relationship problems.
“Who anticipates being recorded? Who anticipates that? Who could anticipate such a personal betrayal?” Gibson said.
Though he has a history of making offensive comments about different ethnic groups, the “Apocalypto” director insists he’s not prejudiced against anyone.
“I’ve never treated anyone badly or in a discriminatory way based on their gender, race, religion or sexuality — period,” Gibson said. “I don’t blame some people for thinking that though, from the garbage they heard on those leaked tapes, which have been edited.”
Gibson’s reputation has eroded in recent years, but even if his crumbling status prevents him from getting future Hollywood gigs, the “Beaver” star said he’d be fine with a career change.
“I could easily not act again. It’s not a problem,” Gibson said. “I’m going to do something now because I want to do it and because it’s fun. I’ve already pulled another job and it’s going to be fun.”