Robin Williams.

LOS ANGELES -- Robin Williams is thankful to Mad Mel's now infamous racist rant.

Not because he agrees with anything Mel Gibson told the arresting officer when he was pulled over for drunk driving on July 29 on the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu.

Instead, it is because Williams went into alcohol rehab the same day. As a result, his own trauma remained a modest footnote in the media, while Gibson became the focus of attention for his astounding idiocy.

"I think that allowed me a certain anonymity," Williams said earlier this week, during interviews for his new movie, Man of the Year, opening Oct. 13. "And God does have a sense of humour. (Gibson) was stopped by the only Jewish highway patrolman."

During the incident, Gibson launched into an alcohol-fuelled, anti-Semitic tirade.

Contrary to rumours, Williams said he and Gibson are not comparing notes about alcoholism.

"We haven't met and we're supposedly keeping correspondence - but I have Jewish agents, so I haven't gotten any messages."

As for his own problems, Williams said no one needs to worry about his physical or mental health.

"I feel great! I feel wonderful. I feel great to be here. And I want to tell the fans, 'Thanks!' The support from people was extraordinary. The letters from everybody were amazing. It's the best thing in the world."

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