Mel Gibson could do a year in a California jail for his drunken-driving rap – but he’ll keep a clean record with Australia’s most prestigious drama school.
The Sydney-based National Institute of Dramatic Arts last week refused to punish its most famous alum – who is also one of four “life governors” – despite an apparent breach of conduct.
After being stopped for speeding near his Malibu home on July 30, Gibson launched into an anti-Semitic rant at cops.
“The Jews are responsible for all the wars in the world,” the star spewed.
Such rhetoric flies in the face of NIDA’s “Code of Conduct,” as contained in its 161-page “Policy and Procedures Manual.” The code states that “stakeholders of the institute should not harass or discriminate” on the basis of national origin or “religious or political conviction.” What’s more, “stakeholders . . . will be held to account for . . . their own acts.” NIDA -whose other celebrated alums include Cate Blanchett and Judy Davis- nonetheless kissed up to Gibson.
But NIDA said in a statement last week that it “considers Mel Gibson to be a great actor and director and he was made a life governor . . . in 2002 for his generous support.” Chief among that support was a $1.5 million donation from the “Passion of the Christ” director, who graduated in 1977.
NIDA also said it “intends to continue its current relationship with” him.