Over the course of his long Hollywood career, actor and director Mel Gibson has been embroiled in various controversies and legal troubles that have tarnished his public image. While he has not actually served any time in prison, some of Gibson’s actions have led to criminal charges, probation, and ignominy.
Early Success
Gibson first achieved fame in the late 1970s and throughout the 1980s through action films like Mad Max and Lethal Weapon. His rise continued into the 1990s and 2000s with acclaimed directorial efforts including Braveheart and The Passion of the Christ.
Action Star
With his rugged looks and on-screen charisma, Gibson emerged as one of Hollywood’s biggest leading men in blockbusters like the Lethal Weapon and Mad Max franchises.
Oscar Recognition
Gibson’s directing career took off after his epic film Braveheart earned Best Picture and Best Director Oscars in 1995.
The Passion of the Christ
Gibson’s controversial but profitable The Passion of the Christ established him as a powerhouse Hollywood producer-director.
First Controversies
However, during this career height, Gibson also faced his first major controversies for inflammatory statements during interviews and arrests for drunk driving.
Anti-Semitic Comments
In 2006, during a drunk driving arrest, Gibson made anti-Semitic remarks to a police officer that were widely condemned as hate speech.
Road Rage Incident
In 2006, Gibson was recorded during a road rage incident making abusive, sexist remarks to a female driver, further denting his reputation.
DUI Conviction
Gibson was convicted of misdemeanor drunk driving in 2006, for which he was sentenced to probation and required to attend alcohol abuse classes.
2010 Abuse Scandal
In 2010, illegal recordings of violent threats Gibson made against his ex-girlfriend Oksana Grigorieva came to light, leading to more widespread public condemnation.
Recorded Threats
Recordings revealed Gibson telling Grigorieva she deserved to be assaulted and using racial slurs in reference to her.
Restraining Order
Grigorieva obtained a restraining order against Gibson amid evidence he had assaulted her. Prosecutors considered filing charges.
Plea Deal
Gibson eventually pleaded no contest to misdemeanor battery, receiving probation but avoiding more serious charges.
Career Aftermath
While Gibson has continued acting and directing occasionally, the scandals have diminished his standing in Hollywood and with audiences.
Limited Roles
Most major studios shunned Gibson for years, limiting his acting roles after the scandals broke.
Modest Comeback
In 2016, Gibson returned to directing with the war film Hacksaw Ridge, earning an Oscar nomination and marking a minor career comeback.
Stigma Remains
However, Gibson’s reputation continues to be tainted by past offensive remarks, alleged abuse, and drunk driving.
Conclusion
Through a mix of illegal actions, alcohol abuse, and intolerant speech, Mel Gibson severely damaged his popularity and career over the past two decades. While he narrowly avoided jail time thanks to plea deals, the turmoil will forever be part of Gibson’s Hollywood legacy. The public perception of the once revered actor-director is now indelibly marked by controversy.