Controversy Hasn't Stopped Robert Downey Jr.'s Friendship With Mel Gibson

The following article includes mentions of addiction and domestic abuse.

Mel Gibson took a chance on Robert Downey Jr. when no one else would. Downey Jr. struggled with addiction for many years, explaining in the documentary "Sr." that it took him 20 years to get his life in order after growing up with his father, Robert Downey Sr., who was also an addict. Downey Jr. gives a lot of credit to his wife, Susan Levin, for helping him get sober, but she wasn't the only one who lent a helping hand.

Gibson stepped in to help Downey Jr., who couldn't land work in the late 90s. His checkered history meant that production companies were wary of him and required completion bonds if he was cast to make sure the project finished. Gibson paid Downey Jr.'s insurance bond so that he could work on the 2003 film "The Singing Detective," meaning that Downey Jr. got back into work.

Then, Gibson himself went through a decline. In 2006, he was pulled over for driving drunk and delivered an antisemitic rant. He married Oksana Grigorieva, who later claimed she suffered domestic abuse at the hands of Gibson; he pled guilty to misdemeanor battery. He was also recorded saying racist things towards Black people and more hateful things about Grigorieva. Gibson was then cast out from Hollywood, but it didn't stop Downey Jr. from going to bat for him.

If you or someone you know is dealing with domestic abuse, you can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1−800−799−7233. You can also find more information, resources, and support at their website.

When Robert Downey Jr. was honored in 2011 at the 25th American Cinematheque Awards, he asked Mel Gibson to present his award and Downey Jr. used the opportunity to advocate for the then-disgraced Gibson. "I asked Mel to present this award to me for a reason," Downey Jr. began in his acceptance speech, "because when I couldn't get sober he told me not to give up hope and he urged me to find my faith. It didn't have to be his or anyone else's as long as it was rooted in forgiveness."

Downey Jr. told the story of how he couldn't get hired and how Gibson cast him as the lead in a movie that was originally intended for Gibson himself. He said that Gibson provided him with housing and food at this time, and told him to embrace the ugliest parts of himself, calling the process "hugging the cactus," in order to turn his life around. With this history of help in mind, Downey Jr. asked Hollywood to forgive Gibson.

When Mel Gibson helped Robert Downey Jr. during his tough period, Gibson said that all he asked in return was that Downey Jr. help someone else. Years later, when Downey Jr. was accepting an award at the American Cinematheque Award Ceremony, he said, "It's reasonable to assume that at the time, he didn't imagine the next guy would be him."

It was here that Downey Jr. called on Hollywood to give Gibson a second chance. "I humbly ask that you join me — unless you are completely without sin, in which case you picked the wrong f***ing industry — in forgiving my friend his trespasses, offering him the same clean slate you have me, and allowing him to continue his great and ongoing contribution to our collective art without shame," Downey Jr. said. "He's hugged the cactus long enough."

The two men have remained close. When Downey Jr. welcomed his daughter, Avri Roel Downey, Gibson told Extra that he was in touch. "I texted him the other day. He's pretty busy," Gibson said. "He's still in the haze." When fans were clamoring for "Iron Man 4," Downey Jr. said he'd do itso long as Gibson was the director. After all, Gibson won an Oscar in 1996 for directing "Braveheart," and was later nominated in 2017 as best director for "Hacksaw Ridge." In response to Downey Jr.'s demand, Gibson said, "I'm pretty good at directing. I think I got some statues for it. I think I can do it."

If you or anyone you know needs help with addiction issues, help is available. Visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website or contact SAMHSA's National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).