Mel Gibson, he of the secretly recorded rants, is teaming with reformed Hollywood bad boys Sean Penn and Robert Downey Jr. on a celebrity poker tournament to benefit Mending Kids International.
Joining them will be Jodie Foster, who has steered clear of well-publicized drug battles, anti-Semitic tirades and scuffles with the paparazzi in her four-decade-long career.
Foster was one of Gibson's most stalwart defenders during his recent legal skirmish with ex-girlfriend Oksana Grigorieva and has teamed with the actor on films such as "Maverick" and "The Beaver." Downey Jr. also rallied to his friend's cause, most memorably in 2011 while accepting the American Cinematheque Award. During his speech he urged Hollywood to forgive Gibson.
Also read: Robert Downey Jr. Urges Hollywood: 'Forgive Mel Gibson'
"Allow him to pursue this art without shame," Downey Jr. said at the ceremony.
The charity event, “Four Kings & An Ace,” will be held on Saturday, Dec. 1, at The London hotel in West Hollywood. Mending Kids International provides surgical care to children around the world, assisting with everything from fixing congenital heart defects to repairing orthopedic abnormalities.
Legal and public relations issues aside, Gibson has been an active supporter of children's and environmental charities. Gibson has been involved with Mending Kids for many years, and, as part of a plea deal he struck in 2011 for allegedly striking Grigorieva, served 16 hours of community service with the organization.
Additional celebrity guests will include Steve Guttenberg, Greg Louganis, Rick Dees and Madeleine Stowe.
Fixing Kids announced there are 20 poker-playing tickets left at the event for a $10,000 ticket donation. “Spectator tickets” for non-players are available for $500 each.
Sponsors for the event include Gibson's Icon Films, The London West Hollywood, The Sher Group, Morgan’s Jewelers, Variety, Marich Premium Chocolates and GrapeVine Productions.