The brother of Hollywood actor Mel Gibson has spoken out in defence of the Braveheart star after Mel has repeatedly been accused of being racist and homophobic. The accusations have not been made lightly though, as Gibson has constantly made comments that could be construed as being racist or homophobic.
Mel’s brother Andrew, 43, came out as gay over 20 years ago and defended his brother by saying, "When I heard them I just thought: 'That isn't Mel.' He has never said anything abusive, aggressive or racist in his life. I just had to turn the TV off and turn it to the wall for two weeks so I didn't have to listen. The rest of the family did the same."
Andrew continued, "[Coming out] was one of the most terrifying things I have ever done. I was 22. When I told my dad he cried and blamed himself - he felt he had done something wrong. That broke my heart and I told him it wasn't my fault. I think they all suspected. I was at a family dinner at ARIA restaurant when I told Mel. He just said: 'It's not my choice, but I love you and you're my brother.'"
It has recently been suggested that Mel Gibson could be convinced to reprise his role as Martin Riggs for Lethal Weapon 5. Gibson can next be seen on the big screen, when he appears in the action drama How I Spent My Summer Vacation, which is due to be released on August 26 of this year.
