Hangover 2 Director Speaks Out About Firing Mel Gibson
Credit: Angela Weiss/Getty Images
Hangover 2 Director Todd Phillips is speaking out about axing Mel Gibson from The Hangover 2.
"He's one of our finest actors and, quite honestly, one of our finest directors," Phillips tells Entertainment Tonight. "But The Hangover 2 is a family ... and as much as I loved the idea, a lot of people didn't ... I didn't want anything to come in between that family."
PHOTOS: Mel's many controversies
Gibson, 54, was originally offered a cameo role as a tattoo artist, but he was replaced with Liam Neeson after the cast objected, UsMagazine.com reported last week.
Zach Galifianakis was reportedly among the cast members who opposed the hiring of Gibson, whose reputation was tarnished this year after his ugly expletive-ridden, racist rants to ex Oksana Grigorieva were leaked online.
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At Monday's Hollywood Awards in Beverly Hills, Galifianakis, 41, joked about the drama, E! News reports.
After proclaiming Phillips "the worst Jew in Hollywood," Galifianakis cracked, "that's an inside joke."
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During his 2006 DUI bust, Gibson famously told his arresting officer, "Jews are responsible for all the wars in the world."
Tell Us What You Think
8Unbelievable that they would have a convicted rapist, and a man that would bite off another man's ear, but reject Mel Gibson who hasn't been convicted of anything.
If I had to work with Mike Tyson, I'd wear ear muffs all day.
This is such bullsh*t and i am tired of hearing about it. Mel Gibson is an Excellent actor Braveheart being one of his best projects. Did anyone see him hit anyone? No... we are going by what his baby moma is saying. Doesnt anyone find it funny that she is tape recording his phone calls in the first place... ofcourse we don't hear her cussing at him and saying anything bad! SHE KNOWS SHE IS ON TAPE! Plenty of other celebs have been caught doing way worse... so what has he actually done that we know of for sure? Called her some names... because he was mad... i am pretty sure we have all done this as well as other celebs...
An abuser is an abuser..no matter WHO IT IS DO NOT EMPLOY PEOPLE....DON'T GIVE THEM MONEY, FAME...JOBS..NOTHING THEN THEY WILL LEARN NOT TO BE ABUSIVE.
Funny, how they had no problem putting wife abuser Mike Tyson in the movie.
How long can people milk this story?? This is the 4th story in as many days trying to defend caving in to a bunch of whiney wanna-be's. This is the same quote from at least 2 stories, too. Good grief!
I want Mel Gibson to make a cameo come on he is one of the best actors out there. Does the cast think he will replace them? Why would they accept Mike Tyson? REALLY!!! Give Mel the part back!!
I think the cast was jealous or something not to have Mel Gibson in the movie. He would of have been PERFECT for the movie. And really Mike Tyson was ok for the movie, whats really wrong with this picture. WE WANT MEL IN THE MOVIE!