Robert Downey Jr. Says Forgive Mel Gibson: Should We?

Yes

Is there an appropriate statute of limitations for the despicable acts that public figures are demonized for? Or are statements made under the influence of intoxicating substances and the stresses of celebrity reflective of one's character and simply impossible to forgive and forget? Robert Downey Jr. doesn't think so.

Accepting an American Cinematheque Award presented by longtime friend and fallen icon Mel Gibson, Robert Downey, Jr. admonished the audience for ostracizing their Oscar-winning peer, "Unless you are without sin -- and if you are, you are in the wrong (expletive) industry -- you should forgive him and let him work."

Gibson's 2006 anti-Semitic rants after a DUI arrest seemed like the most inconceivable low point for any average citizen, let alone a world-renowned celebrity. However, just over a year ago tapes surfaced of him making shockingly violent threats against his then-girlfriend, peppered with additional racist remarks and misogynistic tirades.

"During his presentation," E! Online reports, "Gibson remembered being warned about hiring Downey for "Air America" in 1990 because of his troubled private life. Downey has always credited Gibson for being the first person in town who gave him a job during some of his years battling substance abuse."

Downey fondly recalled that Gibson had told him to "help the next guy" once he was in the position to do so, "It's reasonable to assume...he didn't imagine the next guy would be him," he said.

Are Gibson's grossly inappropriate actions inexcusable? Or should society reflect on Mel Gibson's motivation and mental state at the time, evaluate what sort of person he really is,and forgive-- as formerly troubled friend Robert Downey Jr. has suggested?

Casandra Armour

Robert Downey Jr. Says Forgive Mel Gibson: Should We?

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