After losing his California home to the devastating Los Angeles wildfires, Mel Gibson has sparked controversy online, with some calling the Academy Award-winning actor “unhinged” for suggesting the blaze was intentionally set to drive people off valuable property.
The recent Palisades fire in Los Angeles has wreaked havoc, leaving behind a trail of destruction and heartbreak for thousands of residents. According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, the fire, which ignited on January 7, has scorched over 40,660 acres, destroyed nearly 12,500 structures, and claimed at least 24 lives.
Among those profoundly affected is Gibson, who learned of his $23.5 million Malibu home’s destruction during a January 10 recording of Joe Rogan’s podcast. While speaking on the podcast, Gibson described the moment his son managed to save only a few essentials, including passports and important documents, before fleeing the flames.
“It’s tragic. It makes you really sad,” Gibson later shared in an interview with Fox News host Laura Ingraham. “My son grabbed like three things and took off… but it’s devastating to lose so much.”
The actor recounted the loss of priceless possessions, including rare artwork, photographs, and books dating back to the 1600s, all consumed by the inferno. Despite the immense loss, Gibson described the event as a form of “purification,” reflecting on the emotional toll and the resilience required to move forward.
However, it’s not just Gibson’s personal tragedy that has drawn attention. The Braveheart star’s remarks about the fire being potentially “commissioned” to target high-value properties have ignited online debates. While some dismissed his claims as conspiratorial, others defended his right to question the circumstances surrounding the disaster.
Gibson’s experience serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of such disasters, highlighting both the physical losses endured by victims and the emotional challenges they face in the aftermath. As the community grapples with recovery, his story underscores the importance of compassion and understanding during times of immense hardship.
It’s “a strange mixture of sadness and almost kind of an elation,” , adding that the house and possessions they lost in the blaze were just “things” that “may or may not be replaceable but they’re only things.”
The Mad Max star then compared the cataclysmic destruction of his property to the bombing of Dresden, a city in Germany that was flattened during World War II.
He adds, “We’re still here and I just kind of look at it almost in a weird kind of way as purification.”
During his appearance on the show, the 69-year-old actor discussed his theories about the devastating fire that claimed thousands of homes, including his own, and questioned the possibility of foul play in its origins.
“I know they were messing with the water, letting reserves go for one reason or another. They’ve been doing that a while. California has a lot of problems that sort of baffle the mind as far as why they do things,” the actor shared of a possible hidden agenda.
Gibson’s theory stems from his belief that certain powerful individuals or entities could be behind the wildfire, suggesting it was intentionally started for financial or political gain.
Hinting that the fires were “commissioned” and intentionally set, Gibson tells the host, “I can make all kinds of horrible theories up in my head, conspiracy theories and everything. And that the wind conditions were right and that there are people ready and willing and able to start fires.”
The Lethal Weapon star later questioned if the alleged fire starters were “commissioned” or “just acting on their own volition.”
Gibson says it’s ‘fact’
Swiftly explaining his “insane” theory, Gibson told Ingraham, “Is it on purpose, which is an insane thing to think. One begins to ponder whether or not there is a purpose in mind. What could it be? You know, what do they want? The state empty? I don’t know.”
Taking the bait, the host responded: “And obviously there’s a great need for high density housing in California and across the country. That’s a big push by the climate folks.”
She adds, “And you’re already hearing rumblings of that. In this case, like goodbye single-family homes. Hello high density housing!”
Saying it’s a “pretty scary” idea, Gibson then referenced “cattle barons,” a term from the 19th century used to describe powerful landowners who cleared the land for ranching.
“It reminds me of the old cattle barons, clearing people off the land. I don’t know…it just seemed a little convenient that there was no water.”
“The wind conditions and the fact that there were people ready, willing and able to start fires. And are they commissioned to do so or are they just acting on their own volition?”
‘Words of truth’
As expected, Gibson’s statements have drawn mixed reactions. Some supporters on social media hailed him as brave for speaking out about what they perceive as overlooked truths.
“He has the guts to tell the truth,” writes one netizen in the comments section of the Fox clip. Cheering on the actor’s claims, a second shares, “Fabulous words of TRUTH from Mel Gibson – AGAIN!!!”
Praising the star as a truth speaker, a third offers, “Mel is one of the very few courageous entertainers with morals, conscience, that speaks truths others dare not.” And another writes, “Keep kicking the system in the guts Mel, the world needs to hear the truth!”
‘Conspiracy zombie’
However, critics have been quick to label his claims as baseless and irresponsible, some saying he’s gone too far.
“Absolutely crazy. This is not an appropriate time to spread conspiracy stories about such a horrible situation. Not even sure any time is really appropriate, people losing lives and homes, is a time for compassion, not a time for conspiracies,” shares one displeased cyber user.
“Crazy is what crazy does! Mel, you’ve needed help for a long time, go and get it,” offers a second. Agreeing with that sentiment, a third writes, “He should get help…so tired of these conspiracy zombies.”
Another comments, “Dang. Homeboy is losing his marbles.”
Please note there is no evidence supporting any conspiracy theories.
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