Mel Gibson in 'anti-Jewish' row with writer Joe Eszterhas

[Gerald]

Hollywood screenwriter Joe Eszterhas has accused Mel Gibson of shelving a movie about Jewish hero Judah Maccabee because he "hates Jews".

Warner Bros recently halted production on The Maccabees, which Gibson was due to direct, saying Eszterhas' script lacked "a sense of triumph".

In a letter to Gibson, the writer said, "the reason you won't make [it] is the ugliest possible one. You hate Jews".

The actor has called the accusations "utter fabrications".

Gibson's reputation has plunged since his arrest for drink-driving in 2006, during which he made anti-Semitic comments to the arresting police officer.

He later apologised for his comments, which he blamed on alcoholism.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-17692563


Note: 12 April 2012 Last updated at 17:46 GMT

[Reece]

I lost respect for Mel Gibson long ago!! This is not surprising, more typical IMO!

[August]

Sounds to me like it's more a case of writer sour grapes.

Gibson responded to the allegations in his own letter, saying: "I would have thought that a man of principle, as you purport to be, would have withdrawn from the project regardless of the money if you truly believed me to be the person you describe in your letter." "I guess you only had a problem with me after Warner Brothers rejected your script."
The actor added he still wanted to make the movie, just not based on Eszterhas' script.
"Both Warner Brothers and I were extraordinarily disappointed with the draft," he said.
"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.

[Penguin]

Originally Posted by August

Sounds to me like it's more a case of writer sour grapes.

Probably that. Since Gibson does not have his anti-jewish reputation since yesterday and Eszterhas decided to work with him, complaining after a refusal looks a little 'revengy'...

Originally Posted by Reece

I lost respect for Mel Gibson long ago!!

Same here. I mean it's his right to hate anyone he wants, this only makes him an idiot. However hating on a beautiful goddess like Winona Ryder makes him a sicko!

[MH]

No movie then?

[August]

Originally Posted by MH

No movie then?

According to the article the project is still alive.

The actor added he still wanted to make the movie, just not based on Eszterhas' script.

Guess we'll see if Eszterhas was right or not.