LOS ANGELES, May 13 (bdnews24.com/Reuters) - Actor Mel Gibson got a thumbs up on Friday from a judge overseeing the alcohol rehab program he was ordered to take after a drunken anti-Semitic outburst at police last year.
"I truly believe the rehabilitation (in) this case is effective, and I don't want to do anything to interrupt that," said Malibu Superior Court Judge Lawrence J Mira, explaining why the actor was not asked to appear for Friday's progress hearing.
"I know his extensive participation in a self-help program -- and I should note he has done extensive work, beyond which was required," Mira added.
Gibson, 51, was arrested in Malibu, California, on suspicion of drunken driving last July, and he caused a furor by launching into a tirade against Jews, saying they were "responsible for all the wars in the world."
The director of box-office hits 'The Passion of the Christ' and 'Braveheart' apologized repeatedly, pleaded no contest to drunken driving and was sentenced to three years probation and a one-year Alcoholics Anonymous program.
Gibson must appear in court in August for a final progress report.
Three years ago, Gibson fought off charges of anti-Semitism surrounding 'The Passion,' a blood-soaked portrait of Jesus' crucifixion that Jewish leaders claimed would incite hatred and even violence toward Jews.
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