(Image: E! Online)
BY STEFANIE REDDING
Iron Man star Robert Downey Jr. was honored at the American Cinematheque award ceremony in Hollywood on Friday night...
...where the Iron Man showed he has a soft heart. When he accepted his award he made an attempt to rescue a friend’s career by asking Hollywood to forgive Mel Gibson.
The two pals go way back -- to a time when Downey was battling substance abuse. The LA Times quotes Downey, saying:
“‘When I couldn't get sober, Mel helped me.’ Keeping a roof over his head and food on his table, and helping him get work. According to Downey, Gibson told him that he needed to find his faith and embrace responsibility for his acts, and if he did so, his life would find new meaning. ‘Hugging the cactus, he called it...’”
Hollywood can be forgiving when it comes to drug abuse and sex tapes. But in Gibson’s case -- critics say he hasn’t taken his own advice about facing your demons. Here’s the Today Show...
“Mel Gibson's alleged hateful speech, anti-semitism sometimes, accusations of some racist remarks and violence against his ex-wife, he's got to -- As Mel himself called it, hugging the cactus, where you just have to take responsibility. He hasn't done that long enough yet.”
Celebrity Critic Perez Hilton says, Downey’s feelings are understandable. But it’s going to be tough winning over supporters, considering the nature of Gibson’s scandals.
“Of course, nobody is perfect, and while we agree with that sentiment, there's a big difference between being down and out because you're struggling with the disease of addiction and repeatedly expressing hatred and rage toward a group of people for their religious beliefs!”
But a writer for Forbes praised Downey, saying since the details of Gibson’s scandals are murky, we shouldn’t be too quick to judge.
“Someone has to appeal to our better angels. The gossip machine is brutal, and we’re too quick to topple those we raise up so high in the first place. Gibson’s struggle may not be a pretty one to witness, but it can’t be any better to have your own hardships and shortcomings broadcast for all the world to see.”
The Sherlock Holmes star was honored by many of his colleagues-- including Jodie Foster, Anthony Hopkins, and Jennifer Aniston.
