Los Angeles News

LOS ANGELES (CBS) ― Jewish leaders and executives are speaking out after Mel Gibson's latest apology for allegedly making Anti-Semitic remarks while he was being arrested on suspicion of drunken driving last week.

One major Jewish organization, the Anti-Defamation League, announced within hours that it is accepting the Oscar-winner's apology, saying it sounded "sincere," unlike Gibson's Saturday apology, which the ADL rejected.

Anti-Defamation League National Director Abraham H. Foxman rejected the apology Gibson issued Saturday but said this morning's statement was the real thing.

"This is the apology we had sought and requested," Foxman said in a statement. "We are glad that Mel Gibson has finally owned up to the fact that he made anti-Semitic remarks, and his apology sounds sincere."

Foxman said that once Gibson "completes rehabilitation for alcohol abuse, we will be ready and willing to help him with his second rehabilitation to combat this disease of prejudice."

David A. Harris, executive director of the American Jewish Committee, said he welcomed Gibson's latest apology, but said he will reserve judgment to see if the actor lives up to the words.

"In the Jewish tradition, we are very receptive of repentance, but complete repentance is measured by actions, not just words, over time," Harris said. "While we appreciate his statement of apology, more importantly, we look forward in the months and years ahead to Gibson matching his contrition with his own deeds," he said.

On Saturday, Gibson issued an apology, saying alcoholism had caused him to say "despicable" things that he doesn't really believe, but it did little to generate forgiveness.

"It's incredibly disappointing that somebody of his stature would speak out that way, especially at this sensitive time," Sony Pictures movie Chairwoman Amy Pascal, who is Jewish, told the Los Angeles Times.

Arnon Milchan, an Israeli citizen who produced "Mr. and Mrs. Smith," alluded to the large number of Jewish executives in the entertainment industry.

"To make all of your money from Jews in Hollywood, and then have a few drinks and say you hate Jews, is shocking," he told the Los Angeles Times. "If you are so upset with the Jews, don't work for them."

Milchan also dismissed Gibson's apology. "It's like throwing a nuclear bomb and saying, 'I didn't know the damage it was going to cause. I'm really sorry.'"

But Jeff Berg, chairman of the International Creative Management talent agency, which has represented Gibson for 18 years, expressed a determination to stick with the actor.

"I hate what he said, and so does he," Berg said. "His remarks have created a first-class mess, and he has owned up to it. You cannot spin this. This is a question not of how low you can sink, but how you can dig yourself out of this hole."

Berg said he got a call from Gibson and is trying to communicate the actor's remorse to his staff and clients.

"We're not going to back away from him in a moment of need," Berg told The Times. "Our goal is to help him, not judge him."

However, without specifically citing the controversy, the Disney-owned ABC television network announced Monday it was ending talks with Gibson's production company about a Holocaust-themed mini-series.

The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office, meanwhile, was weighing the charges to be brought against Gibson. Charges including driving under the influence could be filed as early as Tuesday.

Michael Gennaco -- who heads the Office of Independent Review, which investigates allegations of officer misconduct and monitors the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department -- said Tuesday that Gibson's arrest "was handled in accord with its policies and practices."

Gennaco said the investigation into the handling of the actual report is continuing, though he noted that "reports are modified all the time."

He also noted that the District Attorney's Office received a complete report on the case.

(© 2006 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)