Hey dude, don’t you know? Mel Gibson doesn’t want to talk about the past anymore.
A satellite TV interview to promote the release of Gibson's new film “Edge of Darkness” turned tense Wednesday when Chicago WGN-TV entertainment reporter Dean Richards dredged up the actor’s dark personal history -- with a clearly rankled Gibson calling the "dude" an A-hole under his breath.
The train-wreck interview unfolded about two minutes into Richards' chat with Gibson, when the reporter asked: “Do you ever think the public will perceive you any differently after all that’s been in the news about you?”
“What are you referring to specifically?” Gibson answered after a brief silence.
Richards haltingly began to allude to Gibson’s 2006 DUI arrest and the well-publicized Jewish slurs Gibson made at the time -- and later apologized for.
“You know, the drinking problems…what’s been called the anti-Semitic rant,” Richards said. “You know what I’m talking about.”
“Ok, so. That’s almost four years ago dude,” Gibson answered tersely. “I’ve moved on. I guess you haven’t.”
The newsman tried to rephrase the question.
U.S. & World
“I’m just wondering if you think the public moved on and will perceive you in the same light?” he asked.
Gibson: “I certainly hope so. It is a while back. I’ve done all the necessary mea culpas, so, umm, let’s move on dude. Come on.”
Richards wrapped up the interview pretty quick, but check out for yourself the parting shot Gibson muttered at the reporter:
