United States / 07-06-2012
Joe Eszterhas claims death threats, calls on Mel Gibson to denounce antisemitic supporters
The ongoing feud between screenwriter Joe Eszterhas and actor Mel Gibson has taken another twist.
Eszterhas has called upon Gibson to distance himself from supporters who've expressed antisemitic statements, after receiving death threats and hate mail from some people who have apparently sided with Gibson in the bitter rift between himself and Eszterhas.
"Many of Mel Gibson’s supporters in chat rooms and on websites have posted anti-Semitic comments. I’ve received hate mail and death threats. I’ve had to ask our local police department to pay special attention to my family’s safety," Eszterhas told The Wrap in a statement.
"I call upon my fellow Catholic, Mel Gibson, to disavow him from supporters who are antisemites," Eszterhas continued.
Eszterhas' spokesman, Stephen Jaffe, told The Wrap that law enforcement is investigating the threats against Eszterhas, which have come both over the Internet and through more personal means.
"I can't comment because there's an ongoing investigation," Jaffe told The Wrap. "You're asking me were they direct or indirect? Both."
Eszterhas also implored Gibson to personally condemn antisemitism and make amends for his own derogatory statements about Jews.
"I call upon him to apologize for his own antisemitic remarks," the screenwriter said, "I call upon him as a world-wide public figure to condemn antisemitism and the hatred and historical persecution of Jews."
Gibson's spokesman did not immediately respond to The Wrap's request for comment.
