Forgive and forget

Not that this is exactly surprising, but Oren Aviv, the new head of the Disney film studio, seems willing to give Mel Gibson the benefit of the doubt. In a statement to Kim Masters for a piece in Slate, Aviv says, "I've worked with Mel on several films over the years and we have a great relationship. We all make mistakes and I've accepted his apology to what was a regrettable situation. I wish him the very best on his path to healing." Disney, of course, is releasing Gibson's latest effort, "Apocalypto." As Masters notes, it's the same Disney that has slashed its production slate in order to pursue more family-oriented movies. By the way, Gibson has sought treatment for alcoholism at an undisclosed location, according to his spokesman Alan Nierob.