Mel Gibson Walks Out After Mtv Awards Flap

Hollywood hotshot Mel Gibson was so flustered by an impromptu backstage interview during the Los Angeles taping earlier this week of the "MTV Movie Awards" (airing tonight at 9 p.m.) that he bolted from the auditorium, leaving behind an award and a gaggle of just-as-flustered producers.

Shortly after arriving, Gibson was stopped by co-host Janeane Garofalo, who fired off such benign questions as "What do you think of my dress?" and "Do you think I'm America's sweetheart?" The studio audience seemed to love the exchange, but not so Gibson. He left the building.

"There was an unfortunate mixup," an MTV spokeswoman said. "We apologized for any discord that resulted. But, yes, he did leave."

Neither Garofalo's wacky questions nor the laid-back atmosphere of the MTV Movie Awards should have come as a surprise to the hunky actor. Indeed, he's done the show before.

A spokesman for the actor declined to comment.

While show attendees thought the bit was funny, viewers at home won't hear a word about Gibson's antics when the show airs. Producers have excised the Garofalo/Gibson tango from the show.

Had Gibson stuck around he would have appeared on stage to accept his MTV Movie Award for directing the best action sequence, in "Braveheart." Instead, his award was accepted by Jamie Lee Curtis, without reference to the imbroglio.

And the winners are. . .

Among the other winners are video queen-turned-movie star Alicia

Silverstone, who picks up two trophies - one for most desirable female and one for best female performance.

Brad Pitt is chosen most desirable male. "Seven" wins best movie, with one of its stars, Kevin Spacey, picking up the award for best villain. Jim Carrey wins the best-male-star honor as well as the comedic-performance statuette. George Clooney ("ER") takes the breakthrough-performance award. And Adam Sandler and Bob Barker win in the first-time category of best fight for their skirmish in the film "Happy Gilmore."