Mel Gibson has apologized after video captured him appearing to mock an American Sign Language interpreter on stage at Fan Expo Canada, an incident that spread quickly across social media and drew sharp criticism. The footage, roughly one to three seconds long, shows the 70-year-old actor making exaggerated hand gestures behind the interpreter’s back as he walked out for a retrospective Q&A Saturday at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.
Gibson addressed the backlash in a statement, attributing the moment to nerves rather than intent. “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 said. “There was no intended maliciousness attached, and I certainly apologize to anyone who was upset by it.”
The clip circulated widely on X, where users criticized both Gibson’s gesture and the optics of an actor with his history mocking a disability-access service. Deaf and hard-of-hearing viewers voiced particular frustration, with one social media post noting the effort required to have sign language taken seriously in public settings. The moment drew added attention because “Reacher” star Alan Ritchson appeared at the same convention and was seen shaking the interpreter’s hand after his own panel, a contrast several users highlighted online.
Gibson has spent the summer on the fan-convention circuit while promoting “The Resurrection of the Christ,” his long-awaited follow-up to “The Passion of the Christ,” which recently wrapped production. He drew headlines at Fan Expo Boston earlier this year for discussing why a fifth “Lethal Weapon” film never came together.
The interpreter incident revives scrutiny of Gibson’s public conduct going back two decades, following a 2006 drunk-driving arrest during which he made antisemitic remarks to law enforcement, and a later leaked recording of abusive comments directed at his former girlfriend. Both episodes prompted public apologies and years of strained relations with parts of the industry, a history that continues to color reactions to his public appearances.
