Despite his history of antisemitism, racism and misogyny, actor and director Mel Gibson continues to mount a successful comeback, indicating he still has a loyal, dedicated supporters among Hollywood executives.
But West Wing and Scandal star Joshua Malina is emphatically not among those praising his career resurgence.
The actor struck back at the idea of Gibson's return to prominence in a scathing essay for The Atlantic titled "Cancel Mel Gibson," that clearly lays out Gibson's shocking history of anti-Jewish sentiment and pointedly calls him a "Jew-hater."
For years, @ADL has tracked Mel Gibson's antisemitism. Now, my friend, @joshmalina, asks the imp questions: Why is he still embraced by Hollywood? Why is #antisemitism seemingly tolerated?https://t.co/H06zbuld1f
— Jonathan Greenblatt (@JGreenblattADL) December 5, 2021
‘West Wing’ actor Joshua Malina calls for Hollywood to ‘take a stand’ against ‘Jew-hater’ Mel Gibson https://t.co/nHO2NX1UL9 pic.twitter.com/moYrPbhFwO
— Yahoo Entertainment (@YahooEnt) December 7, 2021
Malina's essay comes on the heels of the recent announcement Gibson will return to the big screen in the forthcoming relaunch of the Lethal Weapon film franchise. Gibson will both star in and direct the next installment, Lethal Weapon 5.
Malina opened his essay by not mincing words about Gibson's bigotries.
"Gibson is a well-known Jew-hater (anti-Semite is too mild). His prejudices are well documented."
Malina is certainly not wrong about the "well documented" nature of Gibson's offenses. The actor and director has become notorious for his anti-semitism following a long list of shocking comments and incidents.
Actress Winona Ryder told the Sunday Times she was shocked in 1996 when Gibson asked if she was "an oven-dodger" when she told him she was Jewish. During an arrest for drunk driving, Gibson ranted at his Jewish arresting officer that "the Jews" are responsible for "all the wars in the world."
He has downplayed the Holocaust and made a film that traffics in the millennia-old view the Jews murdered Christ, among many other quotes and actions—including saying it will be his ex-girlfriend's fault if she were to "get raped by a pack of [n-word]s."
As @JoshMalina gets absolutely disgusting hate for a long overdue call for Hollywood to stop casting a certain anti-Semite, here’s a detailed thread on just how shitty that person is. https://t.co/zxHyCozNkJ
— Kelsey (@KGras13) December 7, 2021
Given that resume, Malina asked the obvious question:
"[W]hat does a guy have to do these days to get put on Hollywood’s no-fly list?"
Malina went on to address the idea of "separating art from artist," pointing out many other artistic figures who had abhorrent views.
"[M]any horrible people produce wonderful art. Put me down as an ardent fan of Roald Dahl, Pablo Picasso, and Edith Wharton; can’t get enough of what they’re selling."
"But these three had the good taste to die."
"That makes it a lot easier to enjoy their output. Gibson lives. And Tinseltown need not employ him further."
And Malina challenged the notion of "cancel culture" and called on his colleagues in Hollywood to take a stand along with him.
"It would be great if higher-profile executives, producers, and actors would also take a stand. Then I could believe in this cancel culture I keep reading so much about."
"And I could also believe that Jews do, in fact, count."
On Twitter, people applauded Malina for plainly stating what seems like it should be obvious.
Bravo.
An airtight case for ‘buh-bye Mel’ and so well-written.
👏🏻👏🏻
— (((Ian Cluroe))) (@IDCluroe) December 2, 2021
Be it known, I refuse to support any Mel Gibson movie or project ever again. The Hate has to end, and we the people have to draw the line!
'West Wing' actor Joshua Malina calls for Hollywood to 'take a stand' against 'Jew-hater' Mel Gibson https://t.co/Lp2Ktm2fkF via @Yahoo
— Michael Schwartz (@ReachNewHorizon) December 6, 2021
Props to @JoshMalina … the ability to ring the register at a box office, catch a football, or hit a baseball, etc. has compromised the moral compass in this country far too long. When, if ever, does this shit stop ?
— M L (@dandylyons33) December 2, 2021
Indeed!!
Joshua Malina lays into Mel Gibson in heated op-ed: ‘Why is Hollywood still hiring this raging anti-Semite?’ https://t.co/GKJ41VTb0h
— Woman screaming at TV (@mblee1) December 7, 2021
Read this, and understand. Good for Joshua Malina. -
Cancel Mel Gibson, Hollywood's Leading Anti-Semite - The Atlantic https://t.co/7zZvWK8jUY
— Randy Mayeux (@Randy1116) December 3, 2021
If a bigoted anti-Semite like Gibson can still get work, then cancel culture doesn't exist.https://t.co/oLUrcYw3gl
— The Mary Sue (@TheMarySue) December 6, 2021
The trith has been apparent for decades. Yes, Gibson should go the way of the dodo.
‘West Wing’ actor Joshua Malina calls for ‘Jew-hater’ Mel Gibson to be canceled https://t.co/kxtcLqcAtF
— Glenn Cheetham (@cheetham_glenn) December 7, 2021
“I write this knowing that it’s more likely to lead to a boycott by Warner Bros. of Joshua Malina than of Mel Gibson. But if that’s the result, so be it. I’ve had a nice career, baruch Hashem.”
1. Same but theatre
2. WHO WRITES THIS WELL?
3. Again, same, baruch Hashem
— Alexandra Silber (@alsilbs) December 3, 2021
Thank you, Josh, for being a voice for so many of us!
'West Wing' actor Joshua Malina calls for Hollywood to 'take a stand' against 'Jew-hater' Mel Gibson https://t.co/QFHmsIn1zW via @YahooEnt
— JL (@RStaredecisis) December 7, 2021
The FBI's most recent analysis showed that Jews are the most targeted religious group when it comes to hate crimes, giving all the more credence to Malina's impassioned plea that someone like Gibson not be returned to prominence.
