New York, NY, October 12, 2006 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today welcomed actor Mel Gibson's remarks, in an interview with Diane Sawyer, where he admitted for the first time that he had made anti-Semitic remarks during his DUI arrest in July, and said, "I'm ashamed that they came out of my mouth.  That's not who I am."

Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director, issued the following statement:

Mel Gibson appears to be taking some baby steps in the beginning of a process toward confronting his anti-Semitism. 

While there is an element of denial in his comments when he attributes anti-Semitic outbursts to the alcohol, Gibson seems remorseful and ashamed of what he said during his arrest.  He's asking the right questions of himself, which is a first step on the road to recovery from prejudice.

Gibson still has a ways to go in truly acknowledging his anti-Semitism and the source of the beliefs that led him to utter those hateful words.  We hope that he will continue to explore the roots of his prejudice. 

Only through his behavior in the future will he truly reflect change and self-understanding.

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world's leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.