Mel Gibson IS as crazy as he looks!
TMZ has learned Mel Gibson exploded in anger last night on a college campus after an expert on Mayan culture accussed him of racially stereotyping the Mayans in the movie “Apocalypto.”
It happened last night at Cal State University at Northridge in the San Fernando Valley. Gibson was speaking to a film class about his movies, and several members of the Mayan community came to hear the famous director.
After Gibson’s presentation, the crowd was allowed to ask questions. Alicia Estrada, an Assistant Professor of Central American Studies at CSUN, challenged Gibson, asking him if he had read about the Mayan culture before shooting the controversial film. Gibson said he had.
Estrada persisted, stating that representations in the movie that the Mayans engaged in sacrificial ceremonies and had bloodthirsty tendencies were both wrong and racist. Estrada and others tell TMZ that Gibson exploded in anger, responding, “Lady, F**k off.”
We’re told Gibson also became extremely angry when members of the Mayan community protested on how they were portrayed in the film. The emotional Mayan members were escorted out of the room, and we’re told Gibson screamed a parting shot — “Make your own movie!”
UPDATE: Gibson’s publicist, Alan Nierob, told TMZ, “This person was a heckler who was rude and disrupted the event, so much so that the event organizers had to escort her out.” For the record, Nierob, not Howard Rubenstein, reps Gibson.Source
March 23rd, 2007 at 3:18 pm
He’s a piece of garbage. He may not have liked what the lady said, but to respond the way he did is classless. This guy’s ego is a little too big.
March 23rd, 2007 at 4:07 pm
good, im glad he told her off. i cant stand people who try to bring up racism in every situation!
March 23rd, 2007 at 4:25 pm
wait – so suggesting that certain “representations” of Mayan culture in the movie are racist, is “bringing up racism in every situation”? get over yourself. the guy made a movie, and someone confronted him on what she perceived to be the meaning of it. if he can’t explain himself, or prove she’s wrong, that’s his problem isn’t it?
March 23rd, 2007 at 4:41 pm
fatso, I agree.
This woman is a professor of Central American Studies… she probably knows a bit more on the subject than this guy. My brother is a professor of Eastern European Studies, and he has dedicated the last 15 years of his life to the culture and the people. I’m sure this woman has enough historical backing to make Mel crumble, and he (obviously) felt threatened. Also, on a personal note… I HATE him!!
March 23rd, 2007 at 5:14 pm
fatso – go eat another meatball and don’t worry about my opinion! you’re sticking up for her about letting her have her opinion – well this is mine! excuse me for being tired of people like kanye west, who do BRING UP RACISM in every situation.
March 23rd, 2007 at 9:09 pm
This is not a factual story and whoever this reporter used for their resource was incorrect. There is so much wrong that I don’t know where to start. And how do I know? Because, I was there and I am a ctva film student at cal-state northridge. This is sad because Mel Gibson was totally ambushed by that lady. She my have a degree, but she doesn’t have a clue!
March 24th, 2007 at 1:26 am
What an jerk… he has a ton of anger…
March 24th, 2007 at 11:01 am
It would be interesting to know more details about this incident before we know whether Mel’s reaction was understandable.
If someone called me a racist I’d be tempted to tell them to f-off as well.
Also, it appears that Professor Estrada is too emotionally involved with her subject if she felt the need to confront a filmmaker in this manner.
Scholars are supposed to be objective about their subjects. Clearly this woman is an activist and not a scholar.
March 24th, 2007 at 12:14 pm
LJ! i can’t tell if you’re actually stupid or just playing so on the internet.
who said i agree with this estrada? and why the hell are you talking about kanye west? just address what’s going on in the piece. she allegedly asked gibson to explain his art. he allegedly told her to fuck off. that seems to be a bit odd considering he was there to discuss his film. now, considering ‘apocalypto’ is about a particular cultural group and historical period these questions seem entirely reasonable. don’t they? i’m not saying gibson should agree with her. i’m just saying your idiotic point about people bringing up racism every chance they get is, well, idiotic and not very relevant to the story. although, considering your misreading of the article, you seem to have a tough time with the concept of ‘relevance’.
wait, let me guess… now i must be accusing you of racism, right?
March 24th, 2007 at 5:01 pm
at least he makes good movies =D