Mel Gibson has issued an apology after a video circulated online showing him making exaggerated hand gestures behind an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter during a panel at Fan Expo Canada in Toronto on Saturday. Gibson, 70, appeared to mimic the interpreter’s signing as he walked onstage during the event, which was captured in footage shared widely on social media. The actor later released a statement through the Daily Mail and Fox News Digital, acknowledging his actions and expressing regret for any offense caused.
Gibson’s Apology and Initial Response
Gibson’s statement, provided to Fox News Digital and the Daily Mail, described his behavior as the result of "spontaneous thoughtless idiocy." He stated: "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 — there was no intended maliciousness attached, and I certainly apologize to anyone who was upset by it." The apology did not address whether he believed his actions were inappropriate, focusing instead on the lack of malicious intent.
The incident occurred during a panel titled "From Braveheart to Mad Max: A Q&A with Mel Gibson," held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. The interpreter, whose identity was not disclosed in available reports, was performing ASL translation for the audience. Gibson’s gestures were visible behind the interpreter as he emerged onto the stage.
Public Reaction and Social Media Response
The video of Gibson’s actions sparked immediate backlash on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). Critics condemned the gestures as disrespectful to the deaf community and the ASL interpreter’s work. One user wrote: "Always disappointing to see my language mocked. We work hard to get our language recognized and be taken seriously." Another comment described Gibson’s behavior as "despicable" and questioned why he was invited to the event given his history of controversial remarks.
Some social media users offered alternative interpretations of Gibson’s actions. One commenter suggested: "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." This perspective framed the incident as immature rather than intentionally harmful, though it did not dispute the inappropriateness of the gestures.
Context and Related Developments
Gibson recently completed production on The Resurrection of the Christ: Part One, the sequel to The Passion of the Christ, scheduled for release in May 2027. A follow-up film is expected in 2028. The actor has faced past criticism for remarks perceived as antisemitic and other controversial statements, which have drawn public scrutiny and calls for accountability.
Fan Expo Canada, which hosted the event, has not issued a public statement regarding the incident as of the time of reporting. Comparisons were drawn to actor Alan Ritchson, who acknowledged the ASL interpreter by shaking hands before leaving the stage during a separate appearance, a gesture noted by some social media users as more respectful.
The incident has renewed discussions about the treatment of ASL interpreters and the broader representation of deaf individuals in public spaces. Advocates for the deaf community have long emphasized the importance of recognizing ASL as a legitimate language and the professionalism of interpreters who facilitate communication in diverse settings.