The conduct of actor-producer Mel Gibson during a recent arrest for drunk driving—including his utterance of anti-Semitic remarks, noted in a police report—is a world-wide story that has been heavily publicized. Eighty-three percent (83%) of the thousand Americans we surveyed August 4-5 had heard about it.

To some commentators, the incident confirmed previous claims of anti-Semitism made about his controversial and popular 2004 movie, "The Passion of the Christ." Many have openly wondered whether Gibson's career would be hobbled as a result. Indeed, shortly after the incident, ABC scrapped its plans to work with Gibson on a miniseries about the Holocaust. And Barbara Walters averred on "The View" that she didn't "want to see any more Mel Gibson movies," joining something of a chorus pledging such an abstention.

The public appears more inclined to agree with the arresting officer himself, James Mee, who told reporters, "That stuff is booze talking." Fifty-two percent (52%) of Americans say the actor's apologies are sincere; 27% disagree. Men are slightly more inclined to believe Gibson than women.

Fifty-six percent (56%) say Gibson's comments have not affected their opinion of him, 24% say that they have. Fifty-six percent (56%) currently view him favorably, while 28% view him unfavorably. Those who saw Gibson’s movie, The Passion Of the Christ have a somewhat more favorable view of Gibson than others and are more likely to believe his apology is sincere.

The favorable opinion of Gibson is especially stunning when seen in context with other celebrities. A recent Rasmussen Reports survey asked about five very visible celebrities and Gibson was viewed more favorably than all five-- 53% view Jennifer Aniston favorably, 41% view Vince Vaughn favorably, 38% view Brad Pitt favorably, 32% view Tom Cruise favorably, and 13% view Paris Hilton favorably. Another recent survey found that just 46% have a favorable opinion of Angelina Jolie.

Gibson’s movie Passion was released in 2004. Among those who saw the movie at the time, 51% were politically conservative, 27% moderate, and 21% liberal.

At roughly the same time, filmmaker Michael Moore released Fahrenheit 9-11. Moore’s entry into the election season was viewed by an audience that was 47% liberal, 26% moderate, and 25% conservative. Moore was viewed favorably by 23% of Americans and unfavorably by 42%.

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