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Mel Gibson apologized Monday after video surfaced showing the actor mocking a sign language interpreter.
Gibson, 70, waved at attendees at the Fan Expo Canada panel Saturday in Toronto, before appearing to jeer behind an American Sign Language (ASL) translator on stage at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.
“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,” Gibson told Fox News Digital.
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Mel Gibson apologized for appearing to mock an ASL interpreter during Fan Expo Canada. The director spoke on a panel for Fan Expo Chicago earlier this month. (Barry Brecheisen)
“There was no intended maliciousness attached, and I certainly apologize to anyone who was upset by it.”
Backlash swiftly hit the Internet following Gibson’s appearance in the Constitution Hall for his panel discussion, “From Braveheart to Mad Max: A Q&A with Mel Gibson.”
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“This choice is bonkers to me,” one user wrote on X. “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 user responded, “It’s dumb silly stupid and disrespectful sure. But why is it cruel? He’s a ten year old boy who never grew up trying to be funny.”
Mel Gibson admitted his actions had “no intended maliciousness attached.” (Mike Marsland/Mike Marsland/WireImage via Getty Images)
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“Always disappointing to see my language mocked,” one user wrote on a since-deleted post. “We work hard to get our language recognized and be taken seriously.”
Some weren’t as negatively impacted by Gibson’s on-stage actions. In a video circulating online, one X user wrote, “I’ve seen tons of comedians do that. People are way too caught up in their feelings.”
Another user noted, “Least controversial Mel Gibson incident.”
The director was in town for his panel discussion, “From Braveheart to Mad Max: A Q&A with Mel Gibson.” (Chris Pizzello)
Representatives for the expo did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
Gibson confirmed at the event that he’s actively editing and working on post-production for “The Resurrection of the Christ” in Toronto.
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In 2025, President Donald Trump announced three special envoys with the purpose of promoting business in Hollywood.
“It is my honor to announce Jon Voight, Mel Gibson, and Sylvester Stallone, to be Special Ambassadors to a great but very troubled place, Hollywood, California,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.
President-elect Donald Trump appointed Sylvester Stallone, Jon Voight, and Mel Gibson to a special Hollywood envoy last year. (Getty Images)
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“They will serve as Special Envoys to me for the purpose of bringing Hollywood, which has lost much business over the last four years to Foreign Countries, BACK—BIGGER, BETTER, AND STRONGER THAN EVER BEFORE!”
He added, “These three very talented people will be my eyes and ears, and I will get done what they suggest. It will again be, like The United States of America itself, The Golden Age of Hollywood!”
The “Mad Max” actor was “surprised” to find out about his new role, but admitted he is ready to help the administration in any way.
Gibson has been a longtime supporter of President Donald Trump. (Greg Nash)
“I got the tweet at the same time as all of you and was just as surprised,” Gibson said in a statement to Fox News Digital at the time. “Nevertheless, I heed the call. My duty as a citizen is to give any help and insight I can. Any chance the position comes with an Ambassador’s residence?”
