Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

‘It is a painful and vivid memory for me’: Winona Ryder doubles down on Mel Gibson antisemitism claims

Gibson has stated that the allegations are ‘100 per cent untrue’

Isobel Lewis
Wednesday 24 June 2020 14:47 BST
Trailer for Force of Nature starring Mel Gibson and Emile Hirsch

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Winona Ryder has doubled down on claims that Mel Gibson made antisemitic comments towards her at party.

During a recent interview with The Sunday Times, the Stranger Things actor alleged that Gibson had referred to her as an “oven dodger” when they met in the 1990s, as well as asking if he was going to “get Aids” from her gay friend.

A representative for Gibson denied the allegations, stating that they were “100 per cent untrue” and accusing the actor of continuously lying about the encounter.

However, Ryder has since returned to stand her ground, telling Variety: “I believe in redemption and forgiveness and hope that Mr Gibson has found a healthy way to deal with his demons, but I am not one of them,” Ryder said.

“Around 1996, my friend Kevyn Aucoin and I were on the receiving end of his hateful words. It is a painful and vivid memory for me.”

She continued: “Only by accepting responsibility for our behaviour in this life, can we make amends and truly respect each other, and I wish him well on this lifelong journey.”

Ryder first recalled the meeting during a 2010 interview with GQ, adding that Gibson had “tried” to apologise to her.

In his recent response, the Braveheart star denied that this apology had taken place, adding: “Also, she lied about him trying to apologise to her back then. He did reach out to her, many years ago, to confront her about her lies and she refused to address it with him.”

The Independent has reached out to Gibson’s representatives for comment.

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in