Police criticized in Gibson arrest

By · December 21, 2007

Mel Gibson received special treatment after his arrest last year on drunk-driving charges.

A report by the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department found that a supervisor sought to censor Gibson’s arrest report, which contained an anti-Semitic rant by the actor, The Associated Press reported. Other irregularities in the handling of the incident were cited as well.

Gibson’s arrest was described initially as occurring “without incident.” But the celebrity news Web site tmz.com subsequently released a copy of the original arrest report in which Gibson was said to have unleashed a “barrage of anti-Semitic remarks,” including the claim that “Jews are responsible for all the wars in the world.” Gibson also reportedly asked the arresting officer, who is Jewish, “Are you a Jew?”

Gibson subsequently issued several apologies and in an interview with ABC News said he was ashamed of his remarks. Gibson pleaded no contest to a drunk driving charge and was sentenced to three years probation and ordered to pay a $1,400 fine.