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Chapter 214: Don’t Stay in Hollywood
🕑 Added 2025-01-01 10:36:16 +0000 UTCAfter leaving the Hilton Hotel, Arthur Miller and Frank Pearson did not return home but instead headed to Wilshire Boulevard in Beverly Hills, where the headquarters of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is located. Upon receiving the news, the current chair of the Academy, Levi Rosenman, quickly informed the other seven Jewish members of the governing committee, and they were all waiting here.
"This is not a small matter, nor something that happened in a private setting."
Sitting in a high-backed chair, Arthur Miller did not touch the coffee in front of him and quickly explained, "Not just Frank and I, but most of the actors, directors, producers, and media representatives at the Golden Globe Awards were present. This was a public act of discrimination."
"Mel Gibson's words are even worse than what Arthur described." Frank Pearson also spoke up, "Those filthy words..."
He shook his head and did not continue.
The room fell silent for a moment. Although all of them were of Jewish descent, they were not without their own differences, but at this moment, they put aside their prejudices. Although they were only a part of the governing committee, all of them had deep roots in Hollywood, with extensive networks of connections. No one could ignore the influence of these old men.
"If we do not respond," said Bruce Conner, the Academy's first vice president and the executive director of the Producers Guild, "this will happen again."
"I agree with Bruce," someone else added, and others nodded in agreement.
"I’ll make calls to some old friends in the media."
Looking around, Levi Rosenman could tell that everyone had already reached a consensus. "Gentlemen, it's time for you to take action. I suggest we restrict Mel Gibson through various avenues, including actors, directors, producers, and talent agencies!"
No one objected. From talent agencies to production companies to distribution companies, many of the high-level figures in this circle were Jewish. If the matter blew up, limiting Mel Gibson would not be difficult.
Could the situation be suppressed? They had already made calls to many media contacts on their way here, and the industry was similarly filled with a large number of Jewish individuals.
"What about the Oscars?" Arthur Miller suddenly reminded them. "Mel Gibson now has an advantage. Are we going to sit idly by and let him get a nomination and Best Director?"
"The nominations are already set. Changing the nomination list at this point would only create more controversy."
The Oscar nominees' luncheon was in three days. Changing the list now would be too risky. Levi Rosenman thought for a moment, "Let him get the nomination, but if he thinks he's going to win..."
He snorted coldly, "That's just a dream!"
For many, it would be a sleepless night. Tina Brown arrived at the hotel, immediately notifying the Los Angeles office of Vanity Fair to work overtime. She then made a call to New York, briefly discussed matters with someone, and decided to release an additional edition of Vanity Fair tomorrow.
She handed the phone to her assistant and instructed her to answer only calls from the president and CEO.
Such explosive news was not to be overlooked, especially with so many witnesses. Even if Mel Gibson had ten agents and CAA tried to handle it, it would not be suppressed.
The night grew later. At the Duke Manor in Malibu, the lights of the villa blazed, and Panny Kallis and Nancy Josephson had already arrived.
"This is what happened."
Worried that subjective emotions might cloud the judgment of the public relations and agents, Duke had Sofia Coppola explain the events of the party in a relatively neutral manner.
"Well done, Duke!"
Although it seemed like an accident, Nancy, who knew her client well, was convinced that it was far from random. "Mel Gibson is finished, at least for the next four or five years."
Upon hearing Nancy's words, Sofia Coppola took a sip of coffee and shrugged.
This was the most forgetful circle. Being suppressed for four or five years would ensure Mel Gibson could not retain his status as a top-tier star. After a few years of silence, how many studios would still remember him?
"Panny," Duke turned to his public relations professional, who was the expert, "What's the best course of action now?"
"Show your attitude. Starting tomorrow, you'll inevitably be in the public eye, and you must not back down."
After a brief thought, Panny Kallis said, "Call a press conference and respond to Mel Gibson in the strongest possible way."
"His Oscar is over," she added, "Duke, this is your chance!"
At CAA's Century City office, the lights were also blazing. Martin Bob received the news and immediately abandoned the ongoing meeting with Ino Martin. He rushed to the Hilton Hotel and brought Mel Gibson to their office.
After forcefully administering a hangover remedy and applying cold compresses, Martin Bob made calls for nearly half an hour before Mel Gibson finally regained consciousness.
"This is a trap, Martin," he threw off the towel, clutching his swollen cheek, shouting loudly, "This is definitely a premeditated setup!"
Martin Bob was not surprised. Just like they tried to trap each other, this fiercely competitive industry was filled with various traps. There had been such situations before, there were some now, and there would be more in the future.
He looked at Mel Gibson, his star client, who was currently the leading contender for Best Director at this year's Oscars. And now?
His gaze grew colder. Martin Bob had long understood what had happened. Even with alcohol as an excuse and even if Gibson had provoked others, it seemed like there was no saving him—at least, not in Martin's eyes.
As Mel Gibson's mind cleared, he began to realize the situation he might be in. The anger on his face turned into a hint of panic.
"Martin, you... you have to help me!"
He looked at his agent with hope, and Martin Bob stared back at him before slowly saying, "I just called the editorial offices of Vanity Fair and The Los Angeles Times."
"They..." Like a dog trapped in the center of the Pacific Ocean, knowing there was no hope, Mel Gibson still flailed desperately. "What was their response?"
Martin Bob shook his head. "David Fess revealed to me that some people from the Academy have already contacted high-level media figures. Half an hour ago, Arthur Miller, Frank Pearson, Levi Rosenman, and others left the Academy headquarters, along with several members of the governing committee."
My Best Director...
Hearing Mel Gibson's muttering, Martin Bob lowered his eyes slightly. What Mel Gibson had lost was far more than just a Best Director nomination!
Mel Gibson clutched his face, unsure of his thoughts. Martin Bob kept his head down, considering whether his client still had any value, whether it was worth his continued effort.
The pain on Mel Gibson’s face suddenly reminded him of something. He looked up and tentatively asked, "Duke Rosenberg laid hands on me. This is personal injury. I can report it to the police and sue him!"
"Wake up, Mel!" Martin Bob slammed the desk with his fist, making a dull thud. "There are countless people on the scene who can testify. You were the one who insulted him first, and you were the one who wanted to throw the first punch! Don’t forget, you're also accused of racial discrimination. If the charges stick, you could face criminal charges!"
"Goddamn Jewish pigs!"
After cursing, Mel Gibson suddenly felt something fall from his mouth. He quickly spat it into his hand—it was a tooth, stained with blood!
The first light of dawn broke through the sky. Newspapers and magazines were rushed out of the printing press and delivered to various sales outlets and homes. Most of the papers had changed their front pages at the last minute to feature the notorious Mel Gibson.
"Mel Gibson accused of racial discrimination, makes anti-Semitic remarks at the Golden Globes..."
"After winning the Golden Globe for Best Director last night, Mel Gibson lost control and insulted..."
Not only that, but there were also numerous interviews from people who had been present, confirming that Mel Gibson had indeed made racist comments.
"I heard it clearly."
A newspaper quoted Tom Cruise's exact words: "Mel Gibson made racist comments, openly attacking and provoking Duke. This is despicable!"
Meanwhile, many media reporters gathered at Warner Studios' press room, where Panny Kallis, as Duke's spokesperson, issued a harsh statement condemning Mel Gibson's actions and declaring the intent to sue him for racial discrimination.
This was almost a foregone conclusion. The mainstream media would undoubtedly side with Duke, especially those under the ownership of Warner, Fox, and Disney, all of whom were loudly denouncing Mel Gibson, while also attacking his film Braveheart, seeing Saving Private Ryan as their hope for an Oscar sweep.
Over the next two days, many prominent Jewish figures in Hollywood, either voluntarily or under pressure, expressed their opinions on the matter. Even though Mel Gibson publicly apologized the next afternoon, blaming his actions on alcohol, the Jewish forces in Hollywood showed no intention of letting him off.
Bruce Conner, the executive director of the Producers Guild, even publicly called for all producers in Hollywood to boycott Mel Gibson!
As if that weren’t enough, Paramount Pictures also came out against Mel Gibson, with one of the most heavyweight figures in Hollywood speaking out.
Sumner Redstone, a Jewish executive at Viacom, gave an interview with CBS, saying, "Mel Gibson made his money from Hollywood's Jewish pockets, then drank a little and exposed his hatred for Jews. This is outrageous. If he has a problem with Jews, he should get out of Hollywood!"
His words were the perfect portrayal of Mel Gibson's future predicament.
Amidst all the chaos, the 68th Academy Awards nominees luncheon took place as scheduled, and the list of nominees was announced.
