Mel Gibson apologizes after backlash over ASL interpreter incident

Mel Gibson apologizes after backlash over his actions toward an ASL interpreter at FanExpo Canada in Toronto

Mel Gibson has apologised after facing backlash over an incident involving an American Sign Language interpreter at FanExpo Canada in Toronto.

The actor appeared at the annual pop culture convention on Saturday, August 29, for a retrospective question-and-answer session. A video from the event circulated widely online and appeared to show Gibson making hand gestures near an ASL interpreter as he walked onto the stage.

The footage prompted criticism on social media, with some users accusing Gibson of mocking the interpreter and questioning FanExpo Canada for hosting the actor.

Gibson addressed the controversy in a statement to Variety, describing his actions as “thoughtless idiocy” and saying there was no malicious intent behind them.

“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 Variety. “There was no intended maliciousness attached, and I certainly apologize to anyone who was upset by it.”

FanExpo Canada has not publicly commented on the incident, according to Variety.

The controversy comes as Gibson continues to make appearances at fan conventions. He previously attended Fan Expo Boston, where he discussed the long-awaited Lethal Weapon 5.

Gibson has faced controversy throughout his career. In 2006, he was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and made antisemitic remarks during the incident, which led to widespread criticism and affected his Hollywood career.

The actor recently completed production on The Resurrection of the Christ, a two-part follow-up to his 2004 film The Passion of the Christ. The original film earned more than $600 million worldwide and became one of the most commercially successful R-rated films.

Gibson’s latest apology comes as the FanExpo Canada incident continues to generate discussion online.