Mel Gibson Calls Reporter "A**hole"

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?"

Remember how these celebs snapped?

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

Hear how Brad Pitt teased Mel Gibson about Gibson's DUI

"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."

Look back on Mel Gibson's sudden (and very expensive!) divorce

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!