AceShowbiz - The Justice Department has reportedly restored the gun rights of actor Mel Gibson, a decision approved by Attorney General Pam Bondi. The controversial move draws significant attention due to Gibson's history and his public support for former President Donald Trump.

Gibson initially lost his gun rights in 2011 after pleading no contest to a misdemeanor charge of battering his ex-girlfriend, Oksana Grigorieva. He was subsequently sentenced to 36 months of probation, alongside community service and counseling obligations.

The move to restore Gibson's rights was not without internal conflict. Former U.S. pardon attorney Elizabeth G. Oyer originally refused to recommend Gibson's inclusion in the list of individuals eligible to regain their gun rights. She found herself at odds with her superiors and was subsequently dismissed from her position.

Oyer defended her decision, "Giving guns back to domestic abusers is a serious matter that, in my view, is not something that I could recommend lightly, because there are real consequences that flow from people who have a history of domestic violence being in possession of firearms."

Although a senior department official has denied any connection between Oyer's firing and the disagreement over Gibson's gun rights, the abrupt termination has been viewed by some as a direct consequence of the contentious decision.

Gibson's gun rights restoration will be subject to state laws where he resides. In Nevada, where Gibson lives, regulations typically prohibit felons from owning firearms. But since Gibson's case was a misdemeanor, this specific ban would not apply to him.

The details concerning the restoration of gun rights for Mel Gibson and the other individuals are to be officially published in the Federal Register, per the Justice Department's procedures. A spokesperson for the Justice Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment on this issue.