‘Might lose him votes': Robert Downey Jr slammed for asking fans to forgive Mel Gibson in his SAG speech

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Robert Downey Jr is currently facing social media backlash after he thanked Mel Gibson and asked fans to forgive his friend during his Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards speech.

While accepting the award for the 'Best Supporting Actor' for his performance as Lewis Strauss in 'Oppenheimer', Downey took a moment to give a shout-out to a few of his friends and stars who have influenced his career.

What did Robert Downey Jr say at the SAG Awards? 

Downey mentioned Cillian Murphy, Emily Blunt, Jodie Foster, and Annette Bening in his speech along with Gibson's name which sparked controversy.

According to The Daily Beast, Gibson has been criticized for a number of controversies, including his racist rants and domestic violence, antisemitic remarks, and homophobia.

The actor has been caught using the N-word several times, once even asked Winona Ryder if she was a Jewish “oven dodger”, and also said that “Jews are responsible for all the wars in the world.”

This is why social media users were criticizing Downey. Additionally, he has been candid about his support for Gibson even after the controversy. The Oppenheimer star has continued to express his gratitude after Gibson helped to cast Downey in his 2003 film The Singing Detective, resurrecting Downey’s career.

"I couldn’t get hired, so he cast me in the lead of a movie that was actually developed for him,” Downey said at an American Cinematheque ceremony in 2011. “And he kept a roof over my head… and he kept food on the table,” he added. 

In his speech, Downey went on to ask the audience to join him in “forgiving my friend his trespasses, offering him the same clean slate you have given me and allowing him to continue his great and ongoing contribution to our collective art without shame.”

Internet reacts to Robert Downey Jr's SAG Awards speech

Commenting on a Facebook post, internet users expressed their opinions about Downey's speech at the SAG Awards. A social media user wrote, "Might lose him some votes for the Oscar!"

Another user wrote, "This isn't new. He has spoken up for Mel Gibson before. That's his friend, his choice."

One user said, "If his life was truly impacted in a positive way, then he has every right to praise him Gibson's misteps have nothing to do with his aiding RDJ."

Another user opined, "Yeah, Gibson should definitely stay out in the wilderness forever."

One user went on to say, "RDJ did this before. Now, that we have social media, I wonder if people are going to boycott him. Hopefully not." 

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