Report: Mel Gibson Allegedly Said He Was Glad John Lennon Was Dead
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - A website has published a letter purportedly written by Hollywood screenwriter Joe Eszterhas accusing Mel Gibson of "hating Jews" and of saying that he was glad beloved New York icon John Lennon was killed.
The letter was published on the website The Wrap.
Eszterhas has written Hollywood blockbusters "Flashdance" and "Basic Instinct," among others, as well as the infamous "Showgirls."
Eszterhas was also the writer of a movie about the Maccabees Gibson was set to make, which has apparently since been shelved.
"I've come to the conclusion that you never had, or have, any intention of making a film about the Maccabees," Eszterhas purportedly wrote. "I believe you announced the project with great fanfare - 'a Jewish Braveheart' - in an attempt to deflect continuing charges of anti-Semitism which have dogged you, charges which have crippled your career."
"I've come to the conclusion that the reason you won't make 'The Maccabees' is the ugliest possible one. You hate Jews," Eszterhas wrote, according to The Wrap.
Gibson also purportedly had some wrath for John Lennon. "I'm glad he's dead. He deserved to be shot," the letter alleges Gibson said. "He was f------ messianic. Listen to his songs! 'Imagine.' I hate that f------ song. I'm glad he's dead."
Click here to read the letter (Caution: strong language)
Eszterhas purportedly accuses Gibson of using anti-Semitic language when they were working together, allegedly calling Jews "Hebes" and "oven-dodgers." Eszterhas also purportedly suggests Gibson characterized the Holocaust as "mostly a lot of horses---." Eszterhas purportedly alleges Gibson called Pope John Paul "the devil."
Eszterhas purportedly alleges Gibson of having a "wild, crazed and explosive" rage and wanting to kill his former girlfriend Oksana Grigorieva.
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Gibson has reportedly replied to the letter via TMZ.com.
Gibson wrote that "the great majority of the facts as well as the statements and actions attributed to me in your letter are utter fabrications."
"Contrary to your assertion that I was only developing Maccabees to burnish my tarnished reputation, I have been working on this project for over 10 years and it was publicly announced 8 years ago," Gibson wrote, according to TMZ.
Gibson purportedly said he was "extraordinarily disappointed" with the draft of the script Eszterhas provided, saying "the decision not to proceed with you was based on the quality of yoru script, not on any other factor."
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