Entertainment reporter Dean Richards at Chicago’s WGN-TV was interviewing actor Mel Gibson about his new film when the chat suddenly derailed. Richards asked Gibson if the actor thought the public had gotten past the tabloid stories of drunk driving and anti-Semitic rants, and Gibson appeared annoyed at the question.
“That’s almost four years ago, dude,” Gibson said to the early-morning host. “I’ve done all the necessary mea culpas. Let’s move on.”
When the interview wrapped up, Richards said bye to Gibson and the actor did the same. But before the satellite feed shut off, Gibson muttered under his breath, “Asshole.”
Gibson is attempting to save face. He wrote in a text message to Los Angeles TV station KTLA that the insult was hurled at his publicist, not a reporter. Supposedly, his publicist was making faces at him off-camera, and Gibson wasn’t aware the cameras were still rolling.
For an expletive-free interview with Gibson about his new film, check out Earl Dittman’s article here.
