Mel Gibson apologises for mocking sign language interpreter: “Thoughtless idiocy”

Mel Gibson has issues an apology after appearing to mock an ASL (American Sign Language) interpreter during an appearance at a fan convention in Toronto, Canada.

On Saturday (August 29), the Oscar-winning actor and director appeared at FanExpo Canada for an on-stage Q&A to discuss his career. In a video now widely circulated on social media, Gibson walks on stage, passing the ASL interpreter while moving his hands in an apparent mocking fashion.

The incident has drawn criticism, with the actor offering a public apology to Variety for 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,” Gibson said in a statement. “There was no intended maliciousness attached, and I certainly apologize to anyone who was upset by it.”

Mel Gibson walked onstage at Fan Expo behind an ASL interpreter and flashed hand gestures at the crowd.

Some people say he was mocking her. Others say it was a joke and they’re overreacting.

No comment from Gibson.

What do you think it was? pic.twitter.com/1KnD74BeCd

— Crime Talk with Scott Reisch (@CrimeTalkNet) August 31, 2026

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Mel Gibson shot to fame in the 1980s with films such as Lethal Weapon and Mad Max. His success continued into the following decade with the award-winning Braveheart, but his public profile was tarnished in 2004 after he made antisemitic remarks during an arrest in 2006. This was followed in 2010 by racist remarks made during a recorded phone call with his former partner Oksana Grigorieva which were published by the media.

Despite these controversies, Gibson has continued to act and direct regularly, appearing in films such as The Expendables 3, and directed the 2016 drama Hacksaw Ridge, which secured him Oscar nominations for Best Picture and Best Director.

In March 2027, Gibson will release The Resurrection Of The Christ, the long-awaited sequel to his 2004 biblical drama The Passion Of The Christ, which was a worldwide box office hit and remains the highest grossing independent film of all time to this day. The film will be split into two parts, with the latter released in 2028.

Recently, Gibson’s Lethal Weapon co-star, Danny Glover, opened up about living with Alzheimer’s Disease.