After Mel Gibson lost his California home to the LA wildfires, online users are now saying the Academy Award-winning actor is “losing his marbles” for suggesting that the deadly blaze was “commissioned” to force people from valuable property.
The recent Palisades fire in Los Angeles has left behind devastation and heartache, affecting thousands of residents.
The LA wildfires, which ignited on January 7, has scorched over 40,660 acres, destroyed almost 12,500 structures and taken at least 24 victims, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
Among those deeply impacted is actor Mel Gibson, who – while recording an episode of Joe Rogan’s podcast on January 10 – learned his $23.5 million Malibu home had been destroyed in the fire.
Since then, the star of Braveheart has shared his experience and feelings about the tragedy in a conversation with Fox host Laura Ingraham.
“My son grabbed like three things and took off and those are okay, stuff like passports and a couple of papers…[but] it’s tragic, it makes you really sad,” Gibson told Fox News.
Among the items he lost were priceless pieces of artwork, photographs, and rare books dating back to the 1600s. While reflecting on these irreplaceable treasures, Gibson described the tragedy it as “purification.”
It’s “a strange mixture of sadness and almost kind of an elation,” , adding that the house and possessions they lost in the blaze were just “things” that “may or may not be replaceable but they’re only things.”
The Mad Max star then compared the cataclysmic destruction of his property to the bombing of Dresden, a city in Germany that was flattened during World War II.
He adds, “We’re still here and I just kind of look at it almost in a weird kind of way as purification.”
Hidden agenda
During his appearance on the show, the 69-year-old actor discussed his theories about the devastating fire that claimed thousands of homes, including his own, and questioned the possibility of foul play in its origins.
“I know they were messing with the water, letting reserves go for one reason or another. They’ve been doing that a while. California has a lot of problems that sort of baffle the mind as far as why they do things,” the actor shared of a possible hidden agenda.
Gibson’s theory stems from his belief that certain powerful individuals or entities could be behind the wildfire, suggesting it was intentionally started for financial or political gain.
Hinting that the fires were “commissioned” and intentionally set, Gibson tells the host, “I can make all kinds of horrible theories up in my head, conspiracy theories and everything. And that the wind conditions were right and that there are people ready and willing and able to start fires.”
The Lethal Weapon star later questioned if the alleged fire starters were “commissioned” or “just acting on their own volition.”
Gibson says it’s ‘fact’
Swiftly explaining his “insane” theory, Gibson told Ingraham, “Is it on purpose, which is an insane thing to think. One begins to ponder whether or not there is a purpose in mind. What could it be? You know, what do they want? The state empty? I don’t know.”
Taking the bait, the host responded: “And obviously there’s a great need for high density housing in California and across the country. That’s a big push by the climate folks.”
She adds, “And you’re already hearing rumblings of that. In this case, like goodbye single-family homes. Hello high density housing!”
Saying it’s a “pretty scary” idea, Gibson then referenced “cattle barons,” a term from the 19th century used to describe powerful landowners who cleared the land for ranching.
“It reminds me of the old cattle barons, clearing people off the land. I don’t know…it just seemed a little convenient that there was no water.”
“The wind conditions and the fact that there were people ready, willing and able to start fires. And are they commissioned to do so or are they just acting on their own volition?”
‘Words of truth’
As expected, Gibson’s statements have drawn mixed reactions. Some supporters on social media hailed him as brave for speaking out about what they perceive as overlooked truths.
“He has the guts to tell the truth,” writes one netizen in the comments section of the Fox clip. Cheering on the actor’s claims, a second shares, “Fabulous words of TRUTH from Mel Gibson – AGAIN!!!”
Praising the star as a truth speaker, a third offers, “Mel is one of the very few courageous entertainers with morals, conscience, that speaks truths others dare not.” And another writes, “Keep kicking the system in the guts Mel, the world needs to hear the truth!”
‘Conspiracy zombie’
However, critics have been quick to label his claims as baseless and irresponsible, some saying he’s gone too far.
“Absolutely crazy. This is not an appropriate time to spread conspiracy stories about such a horrible situation. Not even sure any time is really appropriate, people losing lives and homes, is a time for compassion, not a time for conspiracies,” shares one displeased cyber user.
