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Robert Downey, Jr. Tells Hollywood: Forgive Mel Gibson

12:10 pm, October 15th, 2011

(GettyImages.com)

Robert Downey, Jr. used his tribute at the American Cinematheque Award Show to ask Hollywood to forgive Mel Gibson.

The evening was held to honor the work of Downey, whose professional comeback from drug use and prison has been nothing short of amazing. Stars including Michael Douglas, Jennifer Aniston, Jamie Foxx, Jodie Foster and Gwyneth Paltrow praised the Iron Man star in taped and live tributes at The Beverly Hilton Hotel.

But the most dramatic moments came after unannounced guest Gibson came onstage to present Downey with the Cinematheque honor.

During Downey’s darkest period, Gibson famously stood up for the actor, helping him get hired despite insurance risks and lending him support and guidance.

On Friday, Downey returned the favor.

“When I couldn’t get sober, he told me not to give up hope and encouraged me to find my faith. It didn’t have to be his or anyone else’s, as long as it was rooted in forgiveness,” explained Downey.

He added, “[Gibson] kept a roof over my head and food on the table and, most importantly, he said if I accepted responsibility for my wrongdoing and embraced the part of my soul that was ugly – ‘hugging the cactus’ he calls it – he said that if I ‘hugged the cactus’ long enough, I’d become a man.”

“I would ask that you join me – unless you are completely without sin, in which case you picked the wrong f*cking industry – in forgiving my friend his trespasses and offering him the same clean slate you have me, allowing him to continue his great and ongoing contribution to our collective art without shame,” said Downey.

The crowd applauded as Downey said of Gibson, “He’s hugged the cactus long enough.”

Gibson’s transgressions have been well-documented.

Do you agree with Downey, Jr.? Should he be given a clean slate?

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  • Bellcull

    YES..the man is an amazing talent and like RDJ says..let those without sin…….noone is perfect.

  • Anonymous

    I like Gibson (he and I are exactly the same age and were born only 3 days apart, so I watch him closely. lol) but he needs to hug the cactus a bit longer. If only for the madness he put his ex-girlfriend through, he needs some more time in the desert. Downey has a good heart and I applaud what he’s saying. That’s someone you want watching your back.

  • Cosmic Angel

    I say forgive him. He went through a dark period, and who of us hasn’t? I know I have. And if you haven’t, then you won’t have a clue what it’s like to go through it. Gibson has a big heart and he’s given so much of himself to help others. If we can’t forgive, then we cannot ask or expect others to forgive us.

  • Yslgirl24

    maybe not a clean slate, but stop throwing everything in his face. I’m black, and as far as I care there is nothing he said I can’t forgive. Everyone says things that are hurtful whether they mean them or not. Even with the things he said he still treats those people with respect when meeting them, this stuff just happens to be unfortunate. Plus I love his work…gotta love the Lethal Weapon :)

  • Phweston0269

    I had no idea Gibson was such a good friend & supportive influence in RDJs life before he got sober & started to get work in Holywood again. That was a very moving tribute & it shows that Mel is not the monster he has been portrayed in the media. Maybe it is time to move on.

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_YXI4UDI64FPAPAQT6SDUCMHYAE ladyw0llf

    YES, Robert Downey Jr. is so right on!! Forgive Mel Gibson.I think Hollywood should be apologizing to him!
    Love both of you guys!!

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=3804508 Chanel GoonerGurl Trader

    Mel Gibson is a great actor and brilliant director. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed most if not all of his films. We all have issues and we’ve all done things we regret. No one is perfect so none of us have the right to judge others. So yes, I agree, Hollywood should forgive Mel.

  • Anonymous

    It took guts for downey to say that. he told everyone that when he needed a friend gibson was there for him and he, downey, wanted everyone know that mel has a decent side to him. if the story has legs, then hollywood may forgive gibson. but not a lot. gibson insulted jews and there are a lot of powerful jews in the movie industry. I say gibson should have a second chance, but if the public wont see his movies its over. that last picture he made with jodie foster (the beaver) tanked. the critics said it was well acted, but the public wouldnt see it.

  • miapattinson

    mel gibson is a genius pillar of hollywood…i never stopped believing in him

  • femroc

    Unfortunately, celebrities have to live their lives in the spotlight that millions find out about………how would YOU like to live that way? I think most of us would have some problems that would exposed, right? It’s sad what happened with Mel and what his wife and kids have had to go through. I loved his earlier movies – Tequila Sunrise is my favorite, along with all the Lethal Weapon movies. Would love to see him direct or star in more as he has many more years he could be working.

  • Shannon

    I am not a Hollywood celebrity so my opinion does not count. But, personally, I think he is a drunken bigoted bully who should not go around punching out women. Especially when they are holding children.

  • http://www.myreviewsite.co.uk/ Paul Dunne

    Our idolisation of famous and rich people gives them the excuse to behave in anyway they choose. Sometimes life has consequences and we should all appreciate that.

  • Tmann1606

    YES!!!

  • Aliza

    I agree with Robert Downey Jr… They are both talented men… And as he said no one is without sin… Give the guy a break please

  • http://societyfordaintydamsels.wordpress.com Fennel

    I think its a great act to forgive somebody, It is a wonderful deed for not only the person being forgiven but the person forgiving,. Reason resentment, anger, revenge is gone. That is if the forgiveness is sincere.
    Getting back to Gibson and Downey. They both been suspected of being bipolar. If that is true than might explain some of their past experiences,

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_S52BA5JTFSXMBFI35YMYI4W22U MS M

    No. I like RDJ and admire how he has straightened his life out. His loyalty is commendable but, I must disagree with him. What RDJ did was against HIMSELF. he was on a SELF distructive path whereas, Gibson, especially for his age, hurt OTHERS.
    Gibson should be ashamed of himself and haters should take note that anti-sematism or any other hate for others will not be tolerated. I shall keep Mr. Gibson on my blacklist, thank you very much, it may just be little ole me with my green buck but, others that as feel strongly as I do well…. our little green bucks add up… Oh, yes they do!!

  • Shannon

    Did Mel Gibson ask for forgiveness????

  • Annie

    RDJ wasn’t just hurting himself only when he used drugs. He was hurting his family. He was holding up his co-workers and he could have hurt another person while intoxicated.

    Unless you happen to be without any sin or unless Mel Gibson said those bad words to you, who are you to judge him? Judgmental people are the people I try to get away from fast. Because as soon as you mess up, they are the ones who make your life miserable. Who needs perfect people?

    You can continue to be a hateful person inside though. Not like his rich behind will care.

  • Jster49

    to forgive is divine…….when you do its not for him its for you……….

  • Anonymous

    That is a very good point. I dont recall that he did.

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