CBS's 'The Early Show' Twists Mel Gibson's Remarks

Last Friday night, Jan. 23, Mel Gibson was interviewed by Raymond Arroyo on the EWTN show "The World Over" concerning Gibson's soon-to-be-released movie, "The Passion of the Christ." Portions of that interview were shown on several TV shows, but only one has created any controversy: CBS's "The Early Show" that aired today. "The Early Show" ran the following exchange between Arroyo and Gibson:

Gibson: "The film collectively blames humanity for the death of Jesus. Now there are no exemptions there, all right? I'm the first on the line for culpability — I did it. Christ died for all men, for all times."

Arroyo: "Including the Jewish people?"

Gibson: "Yeah. They’re part of the human race. ..."

Introducing the segment dealing with Gibson's remarks prior to showing the clip, "The Early Show's" Rene Syler said, "Some critics say [the film is] anti-Semitic because it blames Jews for the Crucifixion." Incredibly, she then added this completely misleading statement: "In a TV interview Gibson does not deny it."

Said shocked Catholic League president William Donohue: "CBS has now added to the ruthless campaign against Mel Gibson and his movie. The statement by Rene Syler of what Gibson said was dishonest. To the extent that viewers accept her conclusion, they might well think Gibson is a bigot. But any fair-minded person who reads what Gibson actually said knows that CBS has acted unethically. CBS owes Mel Gibson an apology.

"The movie is a month away and the campaign against it has reached a fever pitch. The Catholic League is ready for the fight and will not be silenced by those who want to dictate history – past, present and future."

"The Passion of the Christ" will appear on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 25, in some 2,000 theaters across the nation. Reportedly, despite the vicious campaign against it, many movie houses have been swamped with advance orders for tickets.

Editor's note:
Mel Gibson fights back and talks with NewsMax Magazine – click here for new revelations

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Mel Gibson's "Passion"