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Mel Gibson DROPPED as Co-Grand Marshal of New Orleans Parade due to actor receiving 'threats'
Mel Gibson has been dropped as Co-Grand Marshal of the 2023 New Orleans Parade - with event organizers citing 'threats and safety' concerns in the wake of the actor's announcement.The actor, 67, who has a long history of making anti-Semitic and racist remarks, was due to appear in the Krewe of Endymion parade at the Mardi Gras event on February 18, but his inclusion was slammed by The Anti-Defamation League (ADL), the Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans and the Greater New Orleans Rabbinic Council.Endymion president Dan Kelly said in a statement on Sunday - just 24 hours after Oscar-winner Gibson was announced as Co-Grand Marshal: 'The Krewe of Endymion has received significant feedback about our grand marshal announcement. 'Some of this commentary included threats that cause us great concern. Not to be: Mel Gibson has been dropped as Co-Grand Marshal of the 2023 New Orleans Parade - with event organizers citing 'threats and safety' concerns in the wake of the actor's announcement (pictured 2018)'In the best interest of the safety of our riders, special guests and everyone that welcomes us on the streets, Mel Gibson will not ride as a co-Grand Marshal for our 2023 parade.' In a joint statement on Sunday, the Anti-Defamation League, the Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans and the Jewish Community Relations Council lauded the decision to remove the star - but questioned why he was hired in the first place.The statement read: 'Although it has been announced that Mel Gibson will no longer ride due to reported threats, ADL, the Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans, and the Greater New Orleans Rabbinic Council—are appalled that Endymion chose Mel Gibson as the parade’s 2023 Grand Marshal to begin with.