Mel Gibson arrest tapes won't be released

Tapesmade duringactor Mel Gibson's arrest on suspicion of drunk driving are not public records and will not be released, California authorities said Tuesday.

Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca denied the media request for the tapes, in which Gibson uttered anti-Semitic remarks and obscenities,saying they were part of an ongoing investigation.

"The records you have requested are records of the investigation and part of the investigatory file in this matter," said Gary P. Gross, principal deputy for the county counsel's office. As a result, they will remain sealed, Gross said.

The celebrity news website TMZ had argued the tapes should be released to assess whether or not preferential treatment was given to Gibson during his arrest.

The 50-year-old actor and Oscar-winning director was arrested July 28 after police say he was observed driving at almost double the posted speed limit.

He was charged with misdemeanour drunk driving, having an elevated blood alcohol level and having open alcohol in his car.

However it was Gibson's remarks to the arresting officers about Jews that made headlines. Gibson, who is an acknowledged alcoholic,later apologized for what he called his "belligerent" and "despicable" behaviour.

The question of preferential treatment was raised after a Sheriff's Department spokesman originally said Gibson was arrested "without incident."

Harvey Levin, who runs TMZ, said he wouldwait to see how the prosecution plays out before deciding whether tokeepfighting for access tothe tapes.

"It could go to trial, and if it does, the tapes would become evidence," he said.

Gibson was already a controversial figure to the Jewish community because ofthe portrayal of Jews in his 2004 box-office blockbuster,The Passion of the Christ.

Following his arrest, the American television network ABCsaid it wasdropping plans for a miniseries about the Holocaust that had been in development withGibson's Icon Productions.

A number of celebrities, including Jodie Foster and Patrick Swayze, have come to Gibson's defence since the incident.

However, aRepublican candidate for lieutenant governor of California said Tuesday that he would no longeruse a fundraising letterwritten byGibson on his behalf.

Tom McClintock "saw the news and the situation as it was unfolding with Mel Gibson and made a conscious decision to direct people not to use the letter any further," said campaign spokesman Stan Devereaux. "He was disillusioned by the situation with Mr. Gibson."

Gibson will be arraigned on Sept. 28. Hehas entered a rehabilitation program but representatives have refused to divulge which one.