Deputy Who Was Subject of Mel Gibson Anti-Semitic Tirade Can Go To Trial On Employment Discrimination Claim

A Los Angeles Superior Court judge ruled Thursday that a  deputy sheriff's religious discrimination and hostile work environment claims should go to a jury for trial. However the court dismissed his retaliation claim. Plaintiff is James Mee who in 2006 arrested actor Mel Gibson on drunk driving charges. Mee alleges that during the arrest Gibson launched into an anti-Semitic tirade against Mee, who is Jewish. Mee says he was ordered by his superiors-- who were friends with Gibson-- to delete reference to Gibson's anti-Semitic statements in his report, and to file them as a confidential supplemental report. (See prior posting.) According to an AP report on Thursday's decision, Mee says that his superiors ostracized him and blocked his chances for a promotion. In allowing the claims to go to trial, the court questioned whether Mee could show damages since he still works for the sheriff's department.