Mel Gibson is issuing a public apology after a viral video showed the legendary actor mocking an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter.
“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,” the actor, 70, said in a statement to Variety on Monday, August 31. “There was no intended maliciousness attached, and I certainly apologize to anyone who was upset by it.”
Gibson appeared at the FanExpo Canada on Saturday, August 29, to speak at a panel and sign autographs. According to video footage shared via social media, Gibson walked on stage for his panel. After waving to attendees, he mimicked the woman on stage responsible for providing ASL interpretations for the crowd. Gibson performed several hand gestures as he stood behind the interpreter.
Video of Gibson’s appearance went viral, sparking instant online backlash from many fans and social media users.
“This choice is bonkers to me. *interpreter just doing their job, people clapping for you, positive vibes* Mel Gibson: *makes fun of ASL interpreter for no reason at all* What dysfunction causes a brain to need to be casually cruel for no reason?” one social media user wrote via X, while another replied, “It is impossible to stop Mel Gibson from being a jerk.”
Others defended Gibson, sharing that his gesture didn’t appear to be malicious.
“I generally detest Mel Gibson, well ever since he went insane, but this is funny AF. 🫢,” one person wrote while another shared, “This is the offense? Can’t even see what he’s doing, really.”
Gibson has attended multiple fan conventions this year after production wrapped on his Passion of the Christ;s sequel, The Resurrection of the Christ. Gibson directed and cowrote the biblical film, released in 2004. The next installment is scheduled to be released in two parts next year. Part one will premiere on March 26, 2027, also Good Friday. More than a month later, The Resurrection of the Christ Part 2 will be released on May 6, 2027, Ascension Day.
This isn’t the first time Gibson has made headlines for his controversial behavior. He has a history of making homophobic, sexist, racist and anti-semitic remarks. During his infamous 2006 arrest, Gibson made headlines for his anti-semitic comments. Gibson apologized, stating that he had relapsed in his battle with alcoholism.
“I want to apologize specifically to everyone in the Jewish community for the vitriolic and harmful words that I said to a law-enforcement officer the night I was arrested,” Gibson said in a statement at the time. “But please know from my heart that I am not an anti-Semite. I am not a bigot. Hatred of any kind goes against my faith.”
