Mel Gibson is back in the spotlight with another scandal that many internet users are struggling to get over.
The actor recently went viral after he was spotted seemingly mocking an ASL interpreter while he was on stage at FAN EXPO Canada. Footage of him teasing the interpreter went viral on social media, which caused a massive wave of backlash after users saw him making random hand gestures while walking behind the interpreter. The actor was quick to apologize, calling his behavior “thoughtless idiocy,” but it wasn’t enough for those who felt this isn’t the kind of thing that should be brushed off. Read more about the offensive and scandalous situation below.
@tonytikytoky Mel Gibson getting backlash for hand gestures he was doing while coming out on stage at #fanexpocanada #toronto #madmax #melgibson #summer ♬ original sound – TonyTikyToky ™
Mel Gibson Videotaped Mocking An ASL Interpreter At Fan Expo Canada
The Braveheart icon is once again dealing with another Hollywood scandal after he displayed behavior many are deeming unacceptable.
This week, he made a special appearance at FAN EXPO Canada in Toronto, where pop culture icons from various industries and fields come together for panels, discussions, presentations, and more. The 70-year-old was at the annual pop-culture convention on Saturday, August 29th, for a Q&A titled “From Braveheart to Mad Max,” where he discussed his decades-long career and connected with fans. He also used the appearance to discuss his upcoming projects, including The Resurrection of the Christ.
However, the entire vibe of the event changed when fans and photographers watched Mel walk onto the stage as an ASL interpreter signed for the audience. While standing behind her, Gibson appeared to imitate her hand movements with exaggerated gestures before taking his place for the Q&A.
@tonytikytoky #fanexpocanada #melgibson #madmax #toronto #canada ♬ original sound – TonyTikyToky ™
Social Media Users Slam Mel’s Behavior As He Issues Apology
This certainly isn’t the first time the actor has gotten in trouble for exhibiting offensive behavior, as he famously has been recorded spewing racial and antisemitic obscenities that have damaged his reputation. Now, with this latest incident, it’s taken another hit.
The clip of him mocking the ASL interpreter, which can be seen here, spread online, with viewers accusing the actor of making fun of the interpreter and calling the moment disrespectful toward the Deaf community.
Following the backlash, the actor apologized for what he described as “spontaneous thoughtless idiocy,” while claiming there was no malicious intent behind his actions.
“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,” he told Variety. “There was no intended maliciousness attached, and I certainly apologize to anyone who was upset by it.”
Social media users have continued to slam him online, clearly not quite accepting his apology, and calling his behavior “despicable.”
“What’s wrong with Mel Gibson?” asked a YouTube user. “He still can’t compose himself?”
“He should know better, but he doesn’t,” wrote another. “It’s Mel Gibson being Mel Gibson.”
“There was NO apology given,” expressed a user. “Just his excuse for himself and NO idea or consideration or understanding of what he did was disrespectful and devaluing of the Deaf people and their community!”
“Apologies aren’t enough- he’s done many things that are reprehensible,” a user added. “Apologies aren’t enough. Change should come.”
