Mel Gibson sparks outrage with ‘tone-deaf’ conspiracy theory on LA wildfires amid devastating toll: ‘Insane!’
Actor Mel Gibson, 69, has sparked controversy after suggesting the devastating Los Angeles wildfires may have been started deliberately – whilst acknowledging his theory was “insane”.
Appearing on Fox News’ The Ingraham Angle on Friday night, the 69-year-old actor promoted unfounded conspiracy theories about the fires that have claimed at least 16 lives.
Gibson questioned whether there was a “purpose in mind” behind the blazes, which have destroyed an estimated 10,000 buildings across Los Angeles.
“It’s an insane thing to think,” Gibson told host Laura Ingraham. “But one begins to ponder whether or not there is a purpose in mind. What could it be? Do they want the state empty? I dunno.”
Gibson elaborated on his theory, claiming officials were “messing with the water” and letting reserves go in California.
“I can make all kinds of horrible theories up in my head, conspiracy theories and everything else, but it just seemed a little convenient that there was no water,” he said.
The actor suggested there were people “ready and willing and able to start fires”, questioning whether they were “commissioned to do so or acting on their own volition”.
He pointed to what he called “pretty well equipped” people being caught, though provided no evidence for his claims.
Gibson’s own $11.5 million Malibu mansion was among the properties destroyed in the apocalyptic fires.
Speaking about the loss of his 6,578-square-foot family home, which he purchased in 2008 from David Duchovny and Tea Leoni, Gibson remarked: “It’s emotional. I’ve been relieved from the burden of my stuff because it’s all in cinders.”
During the interview, Fox News host Laura Ingraham suggested the fires could lead to changes in rebuilding plans.
“You’re already hearing rumblings of that in this case. Like, goodbye single family homes, hello high density housing,” Ingraham claimed.
Gibson agreed, calling the prospect “pretty scary” and comparing it to “old cattle barons clearing people off the land”.
The fires have devastated numerous celebrity properties, with veteran 87-year-old Welsh actor Sir Anthony Hopkins losing his home in the blaze.
Gibson’s comments prompted outrage across social media, with people criticising both the “shocking” unfounded nature of his theories and the timing of discussing them.
“Conspiracy theories are his last claims to fame. Washed up, mental actor,” one wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Macy Gray blasted for ‘fuming’ reaction to ITV Masked Singer axe after storming off stageCharlie Brooks sets record straight on relationship status and reason for ITV Dancing on Ice stintAnton Ferdinand shares brother Rio’s true feelings over his ITV Dancing on Ice stint
Another claimed the 89-year-old was “trying to become relevant again” before adding: “Move along, there’s absolutely NOTHING to see here.”
A fourth slammed Gibson as the “go-to insane guy” following the fires while another declared: “There’s tone deaf, and then there’s this motherf*****.”