AceShowbiz - Andrew Garfield, the 41-year-old star of "Hacksaw Ridge," has defended film director Mel Gibson despite Gibson's controversial past, particularly his antisemitic remarks during a 2006 DUI arrest.

Garfield's statements came during an interview with People magazine, where he spoke fondly of Gibson, 68, who directed him in the 2016 war drama. "I learned a lot, actually. I learned that people can heal. I learned that people can change, that people can get help. I learned that everyone deserves respect," said Garfield.

The interview highlighted Garfield's belief in second chances, stating, "I learned that people deserve second chances, third chances, fourth chances. That none of us are infallible." He continued to praise Gibson, describing him as a "visceral storyteller" who is empathetic and capable of feeling everything deeply. "He knew when it was right and he knew when it wasn't right. And I just really trusted him," Garfield added.

This defense of Gibson has not sat well with many, especially on social media. One user on X, formerly known as Twitter, expressed their disappointment, "No no no no Andrew." Another wrote, "I love Andrew - but no on Gibson. And I'm sad that Andrew is making excuses for him."

Some were even more critical, questioning the number of chances one should afford another person. "Fourth chances??? Who gives someone a fourth chance?? At that point you are a f**kin rube." Another critic remarked, "Bro you were doing so well for like a minute there."

Garfield, who is Jewish, said he held deep conversations with Gibson, who in 2006 made highly controversial remarks about Jews and subsequently issued an apology. "He's done a lot of beautiful healing with himself… he's an amazing filmmaker, and I think he deserves to make films. He deserves to tell stories, because he has a very, very big, compassionate heart," Garfield told People.

Following his infamous arrest, Gibson's career in Hollywood took a nosedive. While he continued to act, it was rarely in major studio films until recently. Gibson's directorial comeback film, "Flight Risk," starring Mark Wahlberg, is set to be released in January 2025. Meanwhile, Garfield stars alongside Florence Pugh in A24's romantic drama "We Live in Time."

Despite the backlash, Garfield stands by his praise for Gibson, emphasizing the filmmaker's talent and the personal growth he has witnessed. Whether fans will accept these explanations and move past Gibson's troubling history remains to be seen.