Hollywood superstar Mel Gibson. (File Photo)

    BEIJING, Aug.5 (Xinhuanet) -- Some of Mel Gibson's Hollywood friends have come out to defend the embattled superstar who is faced with growing outrage over his anti-Semitic remarks When he was arrested for drunk driving on July 28.

    On Tuesday, Gibson issued a statement that said in part, "I want to apologize specifically to everyone in the Jewish community for the vitriolic and harmful words that I said..."

    Movie producer Dean Devlin said he and his wife are Jewish, "If Mel is an anti-Semite, then he spends a lot of time with us, which makes no sense."

    Jodie Foster said she does not believe that drunkenness excuses hurtful remarks, but doubts that Gibson is prejudiced against Jews. "Is he an anti-Semite? Absolutely not," Foster said. "But it's no secret that he has always fought a terrible battle with alcoholism."  Enditem

    (Agencies)