Chapter 96: The Jewish Face

Chapter 96: Chapter 96: The Jewish Face

Mark calmly flipped through the reports. "This is because the per-screen average for Mean Girls has been very stable. And—"

He paused. "The theater chains said the teenage market has greater potential during the summer."

"As for the negative reviews you mentioned, Mel, this isn’t your first time releasing a movie. It’s impossible for there to be only one voice in the market, and it’s impossible for everyone to like your film. Our team ran special investigations and monitoring. Those negative reviews are just normal discussions about the plot."

Just then, the assistant pushed the door open, his expression grim. "The exclusive interview with *The New Yorker*... it’s out."

The entertainment section headline read: Mel Gibson’s "True Thoughts"? Can Hollywood’s Inclusivity Accommodate ’The Patriot’?

Although the article didn’t directly state that Mel looked down on Jewish people, it hinted at every turn that he held prejudices against certain groups.

"Who leaked this?" Mel’s voice dropped dangerously low.

"Now isn’t the time to investigate the leak. You went out drinking with friends on the night of the premiere. It’s possible you said a few things, and someone at the scene heard them and spread them."

"My friends would never—"

"Enough! What’s more important now," Mark said, rubbing his temples, "is that I received calls this morning from three major Jewish producers, all politely inquiring about this matter."

"..." ℯℯ𝑙.

"Our focus now is how to solve this. If we let public opinion ferment, The Patriot is finished."

For a moment, the entire office fell silent.

Mel Gibson racked his brain but didn’t know where to start.

The assistant on the side quietly offered a suggestion. "Maybe we can hold a press conference and say that The New Yorker is deliberately smearing us..."

"No." Before the assistant could finish, Mark shut him down flatly.

"Holding a press conference now will only play into their hands. If both sides start bickering, the matter will only get bigger. What we need to do is keep this contained and avoid triggering public debate. Otherwise, the situation will be even harder to control."

Mark’s fingers kept tapping on the desk, his mind racing.

Suddenly, he slammed the desk, his eyes lighting up. His tone carried the certainty of a breakthrough. "If we can’t clarify, then we divert."

He walked quickly to the desk, his fingertip tracing the New Yorker headline. "The article didn’t explicitly quote Gibson’s words or cite his actions. They only dared to imply. That’s our opening. The public doesn’t want ’truth.’ They want an ’attitude.’"

Mel looked up, confusion in his eyes.

Mark continued. "Have your agent issue a statement immediately. Don’t mention the Jewish community. Don’t respond to the accusation of prejudice.

Just say that you’ve been overworked with the post-production and promotion of The Patriot, spoke improperly while drunk, and apologize to anyone who might have been offended."

"Then," he turned to the assistant, speaking rapidly, "contact the publicity team. Release a behind-the-scenes clip of The Patriot tonight.

Focus on editing footage of Gibson handing out water to extras in hundred-degree heat on set, meticulously polishing props to recreate the war scenes, even losing twenty pounds to fit the character. Add the text: Giving my all to present respect for history."

"At the same time, I’ll reach out to Jewish charitable organizations and donate a sum in the name of the Patriot crew, earmarked for anti-discrimination education programs. Don’t make a spectacle of it.

Just let the organization issue a low-key statement. This shows our stance without looking like we’re trying to whitewash ourselves."

Mark’s finger landed heavily on the word Patriot. "The core of this movie is ’patriotism’ and ’anti-war peace.’ We need to pull public attention back to the film itself. Your apology addresses the ’drunken remarks,’ the documentary speaks to ’professionalism,’ and the donation speaks to ’charity.’ Together, the three don’t just respond to public opinion—they reinforce the film’s positive image."

He looked at Mel, his tone firm. "Those Jewish producers don’t want your defense. They want your posture. As long as we don’t take the bait on ’prejudice’ and show inclusivity through action, they won’t keep pressing. After all, no one wants to go against a movie that’s highly likely to be a blockbuster."

Mel was stunned for a few seconds. The confusion in his eyes gradually faded, replaced by relieved clarity.

He nodded heavily. "Do it your way. I’ll write the statement now, and you handle the charity connection as soon as possible."

Although Mark Gerard acted promptly, news of Mel Gibson’s improper remarks still spread quietly through Hollywood’s Jewish circles.

It was just that he conceded and apologized so quickly that those who were dissatisfied found it difficult to attack him openly.

At a gathering of influential directors and producers in Hollywood, the topic inevitably turned to the matter.

"Mel Gibson has had it too easy these past few years," Roman Polanski said, holding a wine glass, his tone calm but pointed. "Ever since he won Best Picture and Best Director for Braveheart, he’s been floating."

Ethan Coen swirled the whiskey in his glass, a hint of coldness in his tone. "Did Braveheart give him a taste of success, so now he thinks he can run wild in Hollywood? Prejudiced remarks can’t be brushed off as ’drunken slips.’ This arrogance in his bones should have been dealt with long ago."

Harvey Weinstein, sitting opposite, set down his knife and fork, his napkin casually draped over his knees, his eyes sharp as an eagle’s.

"He calculated that we didn’t want to escalate this, which is why he dared to ’kneel’ so quickly. But the face of the Jewish community can never be restored by a light, airy apology."

He paused, looking at everyone present. "Gentlemen, the production quality of The Patriot is indeed worthy of an Oscar, and the subject matter fits the Academy’s preferences. But do you think we can let someone who publicly offended our community step onto that podium again?"

"Of course not," Steven Spielberg said, setting down his wine glass, his tone firm.

"The Oscar isn’t just an honor. It’s a barometer for the industry. If we indulge him this time, anyone will dare to treat prejudice as a joke. Anyone will think they can walk over us. This isn’t about targeting one movie. It’s about holding our bottom line."

"I’ve already spoken with several Academy voters," Roman Polanski added. "Everyone feels the same. Even if The Patriot has a high box office and good word of mouth, its name will not appear on this year’s nomination list, much less Mel Gibson’s name for Best Director.

We don’t need to make a public statement. As long as we reach a tacit understanding during voting, he’ll understand that Hollywood’s inclusivity has never meant bottomless indulgence."

Harvey Weinstein let a cold sneer curl his lips. "Isn’t he trying to climb to a new peak with The Patriot? We’ll cut that path off for him. Let him know that in Hollywood, respect is mutual. If you offend the wrong people, you pay the price."