https://deadline.com/2026/08/mel-gibson-mocks-asl-interpreter-apology-1237063448/

Mel Gibson Apologizes For “Thoughtless Idiocy” After Seemingly Mocking ASL Interpreter At Fan Event

Mel Gibson is apologizing after he appeared to mock an American Sign Language interpreter at a fan event over the weekend.

Video circulating online shows the actor momentarily making furious hand gestures behind the back of an interpreter as he takes the stage at Fan Expo Canada. The video is brief, 1-3 seconds.

After backlash online, the actor issued a statement today saying, “I certainly apologize to anyone who was upset by it.” He added that “there was no intended maliciousness.”

His explanation: “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.”

You can see Gibson’s full statement below.