I am in the process of understanding where those vicious words came from during that drunken display, and I am asking the Jewish community, whom I have personally offended, to help me on my journey through recovery. Again, I am reaching out to the Jewish community for its help. I know there will be many in that community who will want nothing to do with me, and that would be understandable. But I pray that that door is not forever closed.

Gibson's actions have had business repurcussions.

A miniseries set during the Holocaust, which was to be produced in partnership with ABC, has been canceled by the network.

Gibson has a lot to think about in rehab. This is undoubtedly a life-altering happenstance for him -- kind of like Bill and Monica, one that when it happens, there's no reversing course. He will recover, just like Clinton did, but also like Clinton, he'll probably never have the same level of respect in the eyes of many but his most ardent supporters.

More takes: Arianna says the Gibson affair is Hollywood's defining moment. The New York Times looks at the speed of the scandal. Ann Althouse compares his quick fall to OJ, Michael Jackson and other fallen stars. Andrew Sullivan is not forgiving.

Update: Arianna has part two of the Gibson affair, dealing with today's apology, which she calls a "world class affair." Like Arianna, I wonder how real it is...whether it's from his heart or from the pen of a very skillful p.r. crisis manager.

Only time will tell whether it reflects the most stunningly fast and vast transformation since Saul became Paul on the road to Damascus or the work of a PR genius -- but, for now, it has to be said: Mel gives excellent apology when his back is shoved up against the wall and he gets a do-over.

Use it wisely, Mel. It will be your last chance.