News | Entertainment
20 Feb 2026 16:47
NZCity News
NZCity CalculatorReturn to NZCity

  • Start Page
  • Personalise
  • Sport
  • Weather
  • Finance
  • Shopping
  • Jobs
  • Horoscopes
  • Lotto Results
  • Photo Gallery
  • Site Gallery
  • TVNow
  • Dating
  • SearchNZ
  • NZSearch
  • Crime.co.nz
  • RugbyLeague
  • Make Home
  • About NZCity
  • Contact NZCity
  • Your Privacy
  • Advertising
  • Login
  • Join for Free

  •   Home > News > Entertainment

    Joshua Malina has called for Hollywood to "cancel Mel Gibson"

    The former 'West Wing' star has blasted the movie industry for continuing to hire the 65-year-old actor despite his alleged previous anti-Semitic comments and argued that although he appreciates the 'Lethal Weapon' star's previous work, there is no need for him to be given opportunities for his career to continue to flourish


    In a passionate op-ed for The Atlantic titled 'Cancel Mel Gibson', he wrote: “Gibson is a well-known Jew-hater (anti-Semite is too mild). His prejudices are well documented. So my question is, what does a guy have to do these days to get put on Hollywood’s no-fly list? I’m a character actor. I tend to take the jobs that come my way.

    "But—and this hurts to write—you couldn’t pay me enough to work with Mel Gibson.

    “Now, I love the ‘Lethal Weapon’ movies (at least the first few). And Danny Glover’s a gem. But Gibson? Yes, he’s a talented man. Many horrible people produce wonderful art.

    “Put me down as an ardent fan of Roald Dahl, Pablo Picasso, and Edith Wharton; can’t get enough of what they’re selling. But these three had the good taste to die. That makes it a lot easier to enjoy their output. Gibson lives. And Tinseltown need not employ him further.”

    After Mel recently announced he will direct and star in 'Lethal Weapon 5', Joshua questioned the whole existence of "cancel culture".

    He continued: “If Gibson is welcomed back to direct the latest installment of this beloved franchise, it may be time to stop publishing think pieces about the power of ‘cancel culture.’ Because if he can continue to find big bucks and approbation in Hollywood, cancel culture simply does not exist."

    And the 55-year-old star insisted Hollywood is "overlooking" many other alleged prejudices the 'Braveheart' star holds.

    He continued: “It is inarguably true that the main targets of Gibson’s prejudice are the Jews, but what boggles my mind is that Hollywood is also overlooking his profound misogyny and forays into anti-Black racism.

    "I wish anti-Jewish hatred alone were enough to get him cast into the wilderness, but, hey, if it has to be because of his other prejudices, I’m okay with that. Let him take the hundreds of millions he’s already earned in Hollywood and retire somewhere nice to contemplate his life choices. I hear the Judean Hills are lovely this time of year.”

    But the 'Scandal' star didn't expect his essay to have an impact on anything other than his own career.

    He concluded: “I write this knowing that it’s more likely to lead to a boycott by Warner Bros. of Joshua Malina than of Mel Gibson.

    “But if that’s the result, so be it. I’ve had a nice career, baruch Hashem.

    "It would be great if higher-profile ex ecutives, producers, and actors would also take a stand. Then I could believe in this cancel culture I keep reading so much about. And I could also believe that Jews do, in fact, count.”

    © 2026 Bang Showbiz, NZCity

     Other Entertainment News
     20 Feb: Robert De Niro hopes he can live as long as Robert Duvall
     20 Feb: Jessie Buckley was "scared of love" for most of her life before settling down with husband Freddie Sorensen
     20 Feb: David Archuleta didn't think he "deserved" fame and success because of his struggles with his sexuality
     20 Feb: Savannah Guthrie's family members have been "cleared as possible suspects" in the disappearance of her mom Nancy
     20 Feb: Jada Pinkett Smith has asked a court to dismiss a $3 million lawsuit filed by her husband Will's former friend
     20 Feb: Gwyneth Paltrow's daughter Apple Martin has denied she was expelled from school for being a bully
     20 Feb: Meaghan Oppenheimer has revealed Tell Me Lies is ending at the "perfect" time
     Top Stories

    RUGBY RUGBY
    All Blacks flanker Du'Plessis Kirifi has reported he's not far away from a return to the Super Rugby Pacific picture, but is warning his teammates not to take Moana Pasifika lightly tonight More...


    BUSINESS BUSINESS
    Hopes are lifting among Auckland businesses for the economic recovery More...



     Today's News

    Law and Order:
    A woman's been arrested for allegedly nicking nearly eight-thousand dollars worth of items during a retirement village burglary spree 16:17

    Entertainment:
    Robert De Niro hopes he can live as long as Robert Duvall 16:17

    National:
    Is AI really ‘intelligent’? This philosopher says yes 16:07

    International:
    Timeline of key moments leading to former prince Andrew's arrest 16:07

    Politics:
    Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor released under investigation after almost 10 hours in custody 15:47

    Entertainment:
    Jessie Buckley was "scared of love" for most of her life before settling down with husband Freddie Sorensen 15:47

    Law and Order:
    A man's been charged with murder after a second man was discovered dead in Tauranga's Wharepai Domain last Saturday 15:27

    Business:
    Hopes are lifting among Auckland businesses for the economic recovery 15:17

    Entertainment:
    David Archuleta didn't think he "deserved" fame and success because of his struggles with his sexuality 15:17

    International:
    Donald Trump hosts first 'Board of Peace' meeting with new pledges for Gaza 15:07


     News Search






    Power Search


    © 2026 New Zealand City Ltd