Mel Gibson issued an apology after a video showed him appearing to mock a sign language interpreter. This incident occurred during a Fan Expo Canada panel in Toronto. While greeting the attendees, Gibson, 70, seemed to mimic the interpreter on stage, leading to backlash.
In a statement to Fox News Digital, Gibson explained, “Sometimes when you get pushed out on a stage in a spotlight your mind is all over the place, and sometimes spontaneous thoughtless idiocy is displayed.” He emphasized that there was no malicious intention and apologized to anyone upset by his actions.
Social media users responded swiftly after the panel event, “From Braveheart to Mad Max: A Q&A with Mel Gibson,” held at Constitution Hall. One user noted the interpreter was simply doing their job and felt Gibson’s behavior was unfounded. Another user labeled it as “dumb silly stupid and disrespectful,” but questioned why it would be considered cruel. Gibson maintained his actions were not intended to harm.
While some criticized Gibson, others shrugged off the actions, comparing it to typical comedian behavior. “People are too caught up in their feelings,” a user commented online.
During the event, Gibson confirmed his ongoing work on the post-production of “The Resurrection of the Christ” in Toronto.
In 2025, President Donald Trump announced Gibson, along with Jon Voight and Sylvester Stallone, as Special Ambassadors for Hollywood. Trump’s statement emphasized the task of reviving Hollywood by bringing business back from foreign competitors. Gibson, a known supporter of Trump, expressed surprise at the appointment but accepted the role eagerly.