Mel Gibson says he 'never discriminated against anyone', calls 2006 anti-Semitic remarks 'unfortunate'

It has been 10 years since Mel Gibson made headlines for making anti-Semitic comments while drunk. He had been arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol in July 2006 during which time he told the police officer (who recorded his statement) that "the Jews are responsible for all the wars in the world!"

Today, the actor is tired of still having the incident hanging around his neck. In a podcast interview with Variety, he spoke about the "unfortunate event" that led to him being ostracised by many in the Hollywood community.

"I was loaded and angry and arrested. I was recorded illegally by an unscrupulous police officer who was never prosecuted for that crime. And then it was made public by him for profit, and by members of — we'll call it the press," Gibson explained. "So, not fair. I guess as who I am, I'm not allowed to have a nervous breakdown, ever."

The Braveheart actor pointed out that he has time and again apologised for the comments and thinks it is time now for people to move on past it. "Ten years have gone by. I'm feeling good. I'm sober, all of that kind of stuff, and for me it's a dim thing in the past," Gibson stated.

"But others bring it up, which kind of I find annoying, because I don't understand why after 10 years it's any kind of issue. Surely if I was really what they say I was, some kind of hater, there'd be evidence of actions somewhere. There never has been."

The Passion Of Christ director is currently promoting his new film Hacksaw Ridge, which has already received critical praise as being one of his best movies yet. But the topic of the 2006 remarks continues to cast a shadow on his work.

"I've never discriminated against anyone or done anything that sort of supports that reputation," Gibson said, adding that the remarks were made while he was very drunk and depressed.

"And for one episode in the back of a police car on eight double tequilas to sort of dictate all the work, life's work and beliefs and everything else that I have and maintain for my life is really unfair," he added.

Hacksaw Ridge is a World War II drama based on the true story of US Army medic Desmond T Doss who refused to bear arms during the fighting. The film premiered at the 73rd Venice Film Festival and opens in theatres on 3 November.