Roman groups have issued a statement claiming that the upcoming Mel Gibson film "The Passion" will cause an upsurge of hatred, bigotry, and antiromanism. Antonius Bellisarisus of the Roman Defense League said, "The movie portrays the Romans as unfeeling bureaucrats and conquerors. It will revive the centuries-old prejudice against Romans, blaming them for killing Jesus."
Gibson has not addressed the Roman groups directly, but has issued this statement:
The movie depicts the crucifixion of Jesus as portrayed in the Gospels. The New Testament clearly states that Jesus was crucified at the instruction of Pontius Pilate. No event in the movie relates to living Romans today, or any other Romans not involved in the actual execution.
Privately, Gibson added, "I am in the film business. I work with Romans every day. There are Romans working on this project and they voiced no objection to me. Some of my best friends are Romans."
Originally posted 8/14/2003
