Warning: don't ask Mel Gibson about his controversial past.

Dean Richards, an entertainment reporter for Chicago's WGN-TV interviewed the actor (promoting his new film Edge of Darkness) via satellite on Wednesday. The exchange turned sour (around the 2:15 mark in the clip) when Richards asked the following: "Do you think the public will perceive you any differently after all that's been in the news about you?"

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(Gibson, 54, was arrested in 2006 for DUI -- an incident notorious for the actor's anti-semitic tirade.)

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"That's almost four years ago, dude," Gibson snaps after an uncomfortable silence. "I've done all the necessary mea culpas. Let's move on."

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Nervous, Richards then wraps up the interview. But before Gibson's satellite feed goes off, the star quips, "bye bye," muttering "a**hole" under his breath.

Watch the tense interview above!