Swayze In Pro Mel Camp

Patrick SwayzePatrick Swayze has defended mate Mel Gibson.

He says Mel is not anti-Semitic - but life is difficult when you're "under the microscope".

Braveheart star Mel has admitted making "vicious" comments about Jews when he was arrested on drink-driving charges.

Patrick, who has also had problems with alcohol in the past, told GMTV:

"If anybody dares try to pull this cr*p messing with Mel's career - it's wrong, it's unfair, it's not right.

"I feel really bad for Mel - we have been in each other's lives for a long time, he's a wonderful human being.

"He is not anti-Semitic. People say stupid things when they happen to have a few and especially if you don't drink any more.

Mel Gibson"But I really feel for him right now... Everybody else gets to be allowed to have a stupid moment. So it makes it difficult when your life is under the microscope."

Mel was charged with drink-driving last week, five days after he was pulled over on Malibu's Pacific Coast Highway.

Mel allegedly made anti-Semitic remarks to the arresting officer.

Jodie Foster has also come out in support of her Maverick co-star.

"Mel is honest, loyal, kind, but alcoholism has been a lifelong struggle for him and his family," she told the Los Angeles Times.