Smh. I just think he’s trying to be charitable after his battle with drugs and alcohol. I wouldn’t say it’s one of his better decisions though. Especially since we gave him a pass for all the things he did. He should be steering clear of people like Mel Gibson.
Exactly. I have an acquaintance, a former colleague, who habours & spews anti-Chinese racism, & we are "friends" because he helped me when I fractured my elbow when I was alone in Vancouver in the new job that eventually illegally terminated me for my injury (disabled). A decent guy & a racist
It is like saying because you're marry to an oppressed group, that you are not the oppressor e.g. marry a person of colour, therefore cannot be "racist". It's like saying "I marry a woman!" therefore the man cannot be a "sexist". Two things can coexist.
oh boy is the second one true, knew a guy married to a Chinese lady who constantly said hella racist things but he wasn't racist cause "im married to one" Also wasnt a homophobe cause "i voted for their rights"
I don’t think people are saying Downey can’t appreciate Gibson for the role he’s played in his life. We are wondering why it requires a public display rather than a private sharing of gratitude.
I saw RDJ speak about Gibson. It might have been the SAG presentation.
I had a similar initial reaction until I heard what he said…that when he, RDJ, was struggling with his addiction, a very dark time for him, Gibson was there for him in a big way.
You don’t have to like everything about a person to be a fan of their work. So I can enjoy a performance by an actor and still not like them as a person i.e. Mel Gibson.
Robert Downey Jr can admire Mel, doesn’t mean that I have to agree with him or think less of Robert.
Quiet as it’s kept, I prefer overt bigots. No offense but I don’t look to entertainers to provide models of decency. I do really like you Mr. T. Cheers!
One of the things that makes maga so ridiculous is that they can’t hold two seemingly divergent ideas in their head and know they are both true. Gibson possibly saved Downey’s life. Think Matthew Perry could have used a Gibson in his life? Would you turn down a maga hand saving you?
This is old and the context matters. I had to watch the clip twice because I didn't even notice the reference the first time. As the husband of a recovering addict, the people that help you recover aren't forgotten, even after they reveal themselves to have their own flaws.
Look at all the people happily caping for a known abuser and bigot. "How dare you insult my celebrity crush - who's a horrible human being, which says a lot about me crushing on crazed bigots"
He cannot resurrect Mel Gibson's career no matter how hard he tries. I get he was a good friend to RDJr., but he busted up a woman's face, knocked her teeth out, used ethnic slurs and supported Trump. It's over for Mel.
RDJ also said Chris what's his butt was a good guy after it came out he went to a homophobe church. None of them are good guys, stop celebrity worship!
Oh I didn’t worship him but I agree worshipping anyone should really just stop. I don’t pay enough attention to him to have known this. But im someone who will stop watching things once I hate the actor/ress. Supporting Mel and Chris is just inexcusable.
And I won’t see Tom Cruise movies because of his open Scientologist antipathy toward mental health treatment. In consumerism America, often all I can do is not put my money where people blatantly conflict with my most important values.
Generally I'd say that things done in the past should be remembered but as long as the person is willing to change, they should be given the benefit of the doubt..... however..... Mel Gibson hasn't and does not seem to want to redeem himself.
I do understand your point BUT, obviously, GIbson helped him when he was down in the hole.
Can we reproach to be thanksfull?
He's faithful in friendship.
Mel Gibson was instrumental in RDJ's redemption. Mel Gibson stuck with him, and made sure he had a food and a roof over his head while he fought his demons. Should Mel Gibson be completely forgiven for his antisemitic remarks? Most likely not, but can people have personal growth?
Mel Gibson was instrumental in getting RDJ back on the road after all of his infamous antics. He credits him with his comeback. I guess you turn your back on your friends if they fuck up.
I mean... this is Robert Downey Jr. we're talking about. The same guy who was embroiled in drama throughout the 80's and 90's, saying and doing the most outlandish and offensive things. Just because he became Iron Man we gave him a free pass, thought he was a different person?
I am grateful to a number of people who hold some beliefs I abhor, In this case an addict takes friends where he finds ones loyal enough and able to stand by them through their worst moments. not tha RDJ is a saint.
People seem to forget Mel Gibson had the world by the tail, everyone loved him and he was at the top of his game as both an actor and director before his antisemitic rant. He helped many during those good years. No, I don't excuse his actions.
Wasn't this 10 months ago? And didn't Mel Gibson famously help RDJ get sober 14 years ago? This "story" is one of those fake Facebook stories designed to get people to be divisive isn't it?
I disagree. They have been friends since the 80s. Granted, Gibson was obviously pulled from a 6 pack of assholes, and a SO at a business dinner is no big deal.
Don’t be so easily moved to one opinion or another.
I don't like Mel Gibson, but this was one of his best moments. RDJ did well to point this out. Good deeds should not be forgotten or nullified. Be grateful for those who help you.
This is what I believe the progressives should learn, condemn actions not people. People change, beliefs change. Ostracising people is sure way to turn people conservative.
I came to BlueSky for a less rabid environment but I’m seeing a lot of extreme, echo chamber type behaviour here. I hope I see more positive, considered posts. Can fully see why some people say “bugger it, I’ll go and vote for Trump then”. I always try to ask a question, rather than U R WRONG.
BlueSky tho it wants to be different suffers the same fate as Twitter.
People enjoy crucifying people, not realising it only further widens the divide.
Instant silencing and too much virtue signalling is what makes progressives to be hated by everyone.
Don’t get me wrong, I’ve been looking on X and the MAGA crowd are pretty revolting. So much crazy rabbit-hole conspiracy theory madness. Easy to believe there is foreign interference fuelling it.
Not sure what threads you are reading; the atmosphere is far less toxic here.
This thread is great example. Lots of people disagreeing with the tone/point of original post but I haven't seen people insulting each other. On X it takes about 2 minutes to see someone wishing death on another.
gotta keep lists of the far-right conservatives as well as their supporters/sympathizers... for the inevitable fall of this new nazi party. the biggest mistake from the last defeat of the nazis was letting some of them go afterwards. we will not make that mistake again since it brought us all here.
Mel helped Robert DowneyJr keep his career and overcome addiction. Good for you Robert Downey Jr. When pple were treating him like they are treating Mel now he was there for Robert Downey Jr.
It might be because Mel Gibson was previously in recovery. I wonder if Gibson helped Robert Downey Jr get clean & sober back when he was struggling with substance abuse problems.
I know Mel Gibson was in recovery for a time, & helping others get sober is a big part of that & he likely saved Robert Downey Jr’s life if he was the one instrumental in getting him off drugs.
He had been really in bad shape & was would’ve most likely died a young death if he hadn’t gotten help.
Gibson is an asshole, but he's also a pretty good actor and apparently a loyal friend. Given Downey's troubled history, this could actually be a "finest hour" for him. He surely understood it would prompt hostility, but he took that risk to honor his benefactor, when it would have been easy not to.
He did come back from Hollywood toxic DNR because Jodie Foster gave him a chance, and Jodie previously tried to help Gibson, so it might be an in recovery bad judgment call
How funny would it be if this is how RDJ drops out of his new MCU role in Avengers: Doomsday and we get a Romani actor to play Dr. Victor von Doom like we always wanted?
Few things, this was from an article back in February 2024, so I’m not quite sure why we’re posting this again. Secondly Mel Gibson is the guy who more or less got RDJ sober again why back when. We can not like Gibson, but it’s OK for RDJ to show appreciation. That’s all it was.
He's been friends with a racist, sexist antisemitic POS for ages. Just because someone gets you a second chance doesn't mean you give them endless second chances in Hollywood He's friends with a guy who wants to eat people (Armie Hammer) but nothing when Brie got abused constantly.
"Gibson has been embroiled in various controversies, ranging from racist rants and domestic violence issues to antisemitic remarks and homophobia. The actor has faced criticism for using racial slurs and expressing prejudiced views against certain communities."
He will always love Gibson because after RDJ was sprung from jail back in the day, Gibson was the only person who actually helped him to get his career back on track.
Jodie Foster is similarly loyal to Gibson which makes absolutely no sense.
Social justice warriors abound on the left. Careful, or we will become just as bad as the right. Is Gibson a “ terrible person “ or did he also make mistakes when he was under the influence? I don’t follow, so don’t know, but do know we on the left are quick to judge.
I’m honestly curious; are we judging Gibson based on the comments that he made decades ago during his own drinking episodes or has there been additional situations of which I am unaware? As I said, I haven’t been following, although I used to really like him. As a recovered alcoholic, I pause…
Say it’s early in your career and your first acting job is a movie series about teen wizards. Years later the author turns out to have horrible feelings about others.
Asking actors now why they worked with the author 30 yrs ago when they were 11 and probably never met author is kinda crazy
So, an actor can not credit others he learned from in a speech?
I thought we were passed the era of cancellation for the sake of unrelated personal flaws.
Jonny Depp lost 10 years of his life and career over this.
Bravehart and Lethal Weapon will never stop being awesome, imo.
One after another they fall like compromised dominoes. Right? Let's be honest. These about-faces are ALL based on compromat. Let's have an amnesty for like 45 days? Tell us what they have on you, we forgive because its manufactured (prolly). Then we can deal with the blackmailers and JUST LIVE LIFE!
Plenty of us have cut of family. Those relationships matter just as much and yet we were able to do the right thing and accept they turned into awful humans and no longer deserve our respect or recognition. it’s not that hard. He’s thanked him in the past he could’ve skipped thanking him this time.
It’s offensive for people to think that “they” have the right to dictate someone else’s behavior just because “they” are offended by it.
It’s healthier to ignore it and move on.
I’m referring to RDJ thanking Gibson.
I’m an older, black, female techie. I’ve had more than enough experience with racism and misogyny over my lifetime, thank you very much.
I think if I have thanked them before probably many times and then they later did or said something horrendous I could personally acknowledge what they did for me but I would also avoid publicly speaking about them again. Sometimes people change and it’s okay to distance yourself from them.
Mel Gibson paid for Downey’s liability insurance to allow studios to take a chance on him again. In 2003, The Singing Detective. From there, he started working steadily again. His sobriety was from lots of supports, treatment centers, his wife Susan, and his own hard work.
I'm not a big RDJ fan, but isn't this a little silly to be putting energy into something this banal? He didn't say he agreed w/his morals, he mentioned him in a long list of people who helped his career. For him, he's stating a fact of his life. We have bigger things to worry about right now.
You can’t look past bigotry because you appreciate the art. Bigots are bigots and the only path towards a free and open society is to shun bigots and haters, not stroke their egos.
Well, help someone to get through ruff times is laudable, but knowing him, I do think he helped because it made more good for himself than anyone else.
No matter how crazy Mel is, we wouldn't still have RDJ today had it not been for Mel's interactions with him while he struggled with getting clean & sober....
Why are people acting surprised that RDJ did this? The guy did black face for a movie.
Downey Jr. said in a video interview last week that "for a man whose native tongue is Spanish, to be able to put together a phrase like `cultural genocide' just speaks to how bright he is."
He knows Mel Gibson on a personal level, not the media consumer level.
I've watched Mel change a tire for a random stranger whose first language wasn't English, and he wasn't aware he was being recorded until halfway through.
Drunk and angry is not something any of us would want the world to see.
Sorry George, but this is a bit high horse looking down on people type of post. It’s part of the toxic social media culture and it’s ugly. Keep judgement posts to Twitter.
If someone contributes to your success, helps you forward for no benefit to themselves, I think it’s okay to say that. It doesn’t mean Downey agrees with anything else about Gibson.
At a time when every one gave up on Robert, Mel was one of the few that kept helping him. We can't blame Robert for speaking from the heart about what another man did to help him. Certainly Mel has shown beyond despicable behaviour in the past and we shouldn't blame a man for remembering Mel.
George, take this post down. Regardless of what you think of Gibson generally, RDJ is allowed to be grateful to him for his help. Without Gibson, we might not have had an RDJ Iron Man.
He behaves in a normal fashion from the era he grew up in - but never moved with the times. Better engage than ostracise, as he seems capable of change as working under Jodie Foster seems to indicate..
Man and it is art can be easily separated. He he might be a christofascist, but he contributed a lot to modern films, he is MADMAX ffs guys come on, therefore I wont forget him. You guys need to calm down with the canceling.
Never spend money on his films, I just pirate. I worked in films in art department for 10 years I can safely say they just do not deserve that kınd of money. Also it is not the point, many famous artist have lots of skeletons in the closets.
Do I forgive Gibson? Not really. But would I think higher of RDJ if he forgot who dragged him out of the mud and gave him a second chance? Certainly not.
In both cases for the same reason: I don't like assholes.
He is already rich. He needs to be ostracized and forgotten FROM THE MEDIA AND POP CULTURE bc his world views could inflict very real material and social harm to entire marginalized groups.
Omg, I don’t know what to tell you. If you are okay with ideas that limits your right to exist perpetrated by the richest douchebags in the planet to indoctrinate poor ppl for the sake of “ everyone deserves to be heard”,+
I'm sure you've met people in your life who have helped you but had problematic views too. You can appreciate them while also condemning them at the same time.
There is no need for him to show his gratitude publicly. Gibson is a very dangerous individual who cannot be seen as sane. What RDJ is doing is harmful and could amplify the harm on marginalized groups
I’m not mad at RDJ or saying “cancel RDJ, from now on no one should watch iron man”. What I am saying is that he should be more careful with who he endorses publicly when his audience consists basically of young and impressionable man.
I don’t know or care for RDJ and his homophobic friends. But if he is truly thankful for Gibson, he should thank him in private instead of giving a platform and validating this lunatic. Gibson is a very dangerous individual, giving him a platform could bring great harm to the LGBTQ community
There are ways to thank a problematic individual without supporting their beliefs. "I'd like to thank awful person because he helped me out when I was in a bad place, it's sad that he's being awful now, because I know he can be better, because he was once, and saved me."
Nor should he.
Even a broken clock is right twice a day.
Personally, I’m sick to death of people who always try to deny others’ right to their opinions.
I think you are giving way too much credit to Mel Gibson for Downey’s success. But given Gibson’s blatant history of bigotry, I think RDJ can thank Mel in private.
The road to recovery for Downey involved many people & systems of support: court ordered treatment, treatment centers, his wife Susan, and his own hard work. Mel Gibson underwrote a liability insurance policy for him in 2003 so he could start to work again. His subsequent success is his own talent.
This may be an unpopular opinion, but: If RDJ feels Gibson really supported him at a critical moment in his career, it would be hypocritical of him not to say so.
Is gratitude something that you're only obliged to feel for people who are virtuous and popular?
I cannot stand Gibson; I find him a gross MAGA even before there was MAGA’s. Love Downey; I can’t hate on him. I never find these things helpful. Actually find it the opposite.
Comments
Am I missing something, Mr. Takei?
Are we now reaching *beneath* the barrel for things to be offended by?
Recovery is about humanity.
Yes.
Did he help RDJ with his sobriety and get him back on track in his acting career?
Yes.
Both things can be true.
Now they know its not worth engaging.
Every fucking stupid thing you do is magnified by a zillion and broadcast to the entire planet and on the internet for eternity.
I have a hard enough time suppressing cringe and regret with just an average memory.
I had a similar initial reaction until I heard what he said…that when he, RDJ, was struggling with his addiction, a very dark time for him, Gibson was there for him in a big way.
Robert Downey Jr can admire Mel, doesn’t mean that I have to agree with him or think less of Robert.
Mel Gibson is a terrible human who helped someone at their lowest point get back on their feet.
It’s okay for that person (RDJ) to show gratitude to Gibson for it.
Nothing indicates he ever beat her or knocked out her teeth. All she did was provide recording of angry ranting.
Please stop making things up.
Seems baffling why RDJ would do this
Can we reproach to be thanksfull?
He's faithful in friendship.
I think that half the people defending Downey have never heard the disgusting things Gibson has said about LGBTQ+ people and Jews.
Downey needs better friends.
Not sure if I’m repulsed or impressed.
I am grateful to a number of people who hold some beliefs I abhor, In this case an addict takes friends where he finds ones loyal enough and able to stand by them through their worst moments. not tha RDJ is a saint.
Don’t be so easily moved to one opinion or another.
I had a high opinion of you, George. But I keep seeing these mean condemnations of others.
When you virtue signal by condemning someone else, it really isn't virtue that you are signaling.
People enjoy crucifying people, not realising it only further widens the divide.
Instant silencing and too much virtue signalling is what makes progressives to be hated by everyone.
This thread is great example. Lots of people disagreeing with the tone/point of original post but I haven't seen people insulting each other. On X it takes about 2 minutes to see someone wishing death on another.
He had been really in bad shape & was would’ve most likely died a young death if he hadn’t gotten help.
This is just RDJ trying to return the favour.
https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/mel-gibson-saved-robert-downey-jr-life/
#BoycottRobertDowneyJunior
#CancelRDJforever
#FuckMaga
#FuckEntitledWhiteMales
Gibson's only human. Not saying what he's done or said is right, but let ye who is without sin cast the first stone. Just sayin'
Jodie Foster is similarly loyal to Gibson which makes absolutely no sense.
Robert has always been problematic yet undeniably likeable.
Asking actors now why they worked with the author 30 yrs ago when they were 11 and probably never met author is kinda crazy
More important things going on at the mo'...
I thought we were passed the era of cancellation for the sake of unrelated personal flaws.
Jonny Depp lost 10 years of his life and career over this.
Bravehart and Lethal Weapon will never stop being awesome, imo.
Human relations are more complex than what we'd sometimes want them to be ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
It’s healthier to ignore it and move on.
I also feel ignoring it would be the best course of action in this specific case.
I’m an older, black, female techie. I’ve had more than enough experience with racism and misogyny over my lifetime, thank you very much.
We actually have much in common.
Downey Jr. said in a video interview last week that "for a man whose native tongue is Spanish, to be able to put together a phrase like `cultural genocide' just speaks to how bright he is."
I've watched Mel change a tire for a random stranger whose first language wasn't English, and he wasn't aware he was being recorded until halfway through.
Drunk and angry is not something any of us would want the world to see.
Its now totally cool to be as big a piece of shit as you can.
I'm not saying Mel is a good guy but I can see why RDJ thanked him.
If you love his art and spend money on it, then the artist could be bolstered.
Its a really tough argument and the more I think about it the less sure I am.
In both cases for the same reason: I don't like assholes.
Two wrongs don't make a right. Be careful becoming the thing you hate.
We didn't get gay marriage because we "ostracized," we got it from reaching out to people.
Thats help that the individual can't forget.
Recovery is hard. Asking for help is hard. You can thank someone for help.
Even a broken clock is right twice a day.
Personally, I’m sick to death of people who always try to deny others’ right to their opinions.
Letting them hide in the shadows is how its allowed to fester.
Id rather see people like him ridiculed in public constantly.
RDJs career was in shambles and Mel was one of the few to reach out and help.
How else are you cool with giving attention to a Nazi sympathizer.
Is gratitude something that you're only obliged to feel for people who are virtuous and popular?