Jason Isaacs, best known for his role as Timothy Ratfliff in “The White Lotus,” recently shared his thoughts on his complex relationship with Mel Gibson during an interview with Vulture. The actor, who is Jewish, addressed Gibson’s controversial past, highlighting the infamous 2006 incident when Gibson made antisemitic remarks while being arrested for driving under the influence.
Despite their shared history from filming “The Patriot,” Isaacs reflected on the mixed emotions he harbors towards Gibson. He described Gibson as charming, intelligent, and approachable, acknowledging that their paths haven’t crossed much in recent years. Isaacs recounted an experience at a charity cricket event where they encountered each other, and while he initially hesitated to see Gibson due to his past actions, he ended up finding the actor vulnerable during their conversation.
Isaacs stated, “I don’t know what to do with the fact that he put a character into ‘The Passion of the Christ’ which is essentially a Jewish demon that doesn’t exist in the gospels.” This pointed criticism refers to concerns raised when Gibson’s 2004 film was released, depicting Caiaphas, the high priest, in a negative light.
While Isaacs noted that he cannot forgive everything about Gibson, he admitted that he forgave him for past transgressions in that brief encounter. Isaacs emphasized the importance of context in forgiveness, indicating that his relationship with Gibson is tentative: “He’s not my friend, but — maybe to my eternal shame — I forgave him instantly because he was there making himself vulnerable.”
Over the years, Gibson has faced numerous controversies, including allegations of abuse and racist remarks, which have marred his public image. However, he has gradually returned to the film industry, directing the Oscar-nominated “Hacksaw Ridge” in 2016 and starring in recent projects like “The Continental.”
This insight from Isaacs serves as a reminder of the complexities of personal relationships amid public controversies, highlighting how individuals can navigate forgiveness and past grievances.