Robert Downey Jr. takes a stand for Mel Gibson

Robert Downey Jr. took to the stage last night to accept his award at the American Cinematheque tribute and made an astounding statement that America should forgive Mel Gibson and get him back to the silver screen.

The American Citematheque tribute took place in Beverly Hills and paid tribute to the Iron Man’s career. Among the presenters were Jennifer Aniston, Michael Douglas, Jodie Foster, and Gary Shandling, to name a few. Each presenter took turns poking fun at the actor that they’ve all worked with at one time or another.

According to E! Online, Downey insists, “Unless you are without sin—and if you are, you are in the wrong f---king industry—you should forgive him and let him work again."

Downey, who credits getting his career back on track to Gibson, recalls that Gibson had told him back in his time of trouble to make sure to “help the next guy.” And that is exactly what he is doing!

He adds, “It’s reasonable to assume…he didn’t imagine ‘the next guy’ would be him.”