Mel Gibson, the 69-year-old actor, recently shared the heart-wrenching story of returning to his home in Malibu only to find that his $14.5 million mansion had been reduced to ashes by the devastating wildfires.
In an emotional interview with NewsNation’s Elizabeth Vargas Reports, Gibson spoke candidly about his shock and grief as he discovered the loss of his home while he was away, filming an episode of Joe Rogan’s podcast in Austin, Texas.
The Devastation of Losing a Home and Personal Items
While filming the podcast, Gibson had been uneasy, knowing that his neighborhood was at risk of being engulfed by the flames.
He couldn’t help but wonder whether his property had survived. Unfortunately, it didn’t. Upon his return, he faced the painful reality that everything he had worked for in that house was gone.
“It’s emotional,” Gibson admitted.
“I had a lot of personal things there that I can’t get back—everything from photographs and files to personal keepsakes and clothing.”
Despite the loss, Gibson was quick to put things into perspective, stating, “These are only things, and the good news is that my family and loved ones are safe and healthy.”
Property for Sale and Future Plans Amidst Disaster
The actor had been trying to sell the sprawling Malibu mansion for years, even slashing the price by $3 million.
Built in 1996 and purchased by Gibson in 2008 for $11.5 million, the property featured a grand five-bedroom design with a castle-like turret.
Gibson’s tragic loss, however, might lead him to new beginnings.
He joked about possibly acquiring “a new house” out of the crisis, reflecting his optimistic attitude despite the devastating circumstances.
A Warning on Society’s Decline and California’s Fire Management
During his appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience, Mel Gibson also addressed the broader issues surrounding the wildfires and societal collapse.
The actor and filmmaker warned that society was heading toward a breakdown, citing the catastrophic fires that had destroyed neighborhoods around Greater Los Angeles.
He also criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom for failing to maintain the state’s forests, though the fires had primarily been fueled by urban areas.
Gibson drew attention to Jared Diamond’s book Collapse: How Societies Choose to Fail or Succeed, mentioning that the signs of societal collapse are already present.
His concerns were echoed by his son Milo, a volunteer firefighter in Malibu, who sent him a video showing their neighborhood engulfed in flames.
Mel’s Escape to Costa Rica and Reflections on the Wildfires
While Gibson was fortunate not to face homelessness, he shared that he has a home in Costa Rica, which he described as a place he loves.
When asked if the fires might be the final straw for him to leave California, he responded with humor, saying that it was unlikely but that a new home might come out of the ordeal.
Adding to the irony, the very restaurant where Gibson had gotten drunk before his infamous 2006 antisemitic rant, Moonshadows Malibu, was also a casualty of the fires.
Criticism of California’s Leadership Amidst the Crisis
The wildfires that have ravaged parts of Los Angeles have not only displaced residents but also caused an overwhelming loss of property.
As fire crews continue to battle the blazes, which have already claimed 10 lives, Gibson didn’t hold back his frustration.
He criticized Governor Newsom for making promises to address forest management that had not been fulfilled, especially as the fires burned through urban areas.
He joked that all the tax dollars may have been spent on “Gavin’s hair gel,” a remark that garnered laughs from Rogan.
The Ongoing Battle Against the Flames
The fires, which have now reached historic proportions, have led to widespread destruction, particularly in the Pacific Palisades area.
With wind gusts reaching up to 100 mph, embers were carried far and wide, sparking new fires and complicating firefighting efforts.
The demand for water during the firefight skyrocketed, and many fire hydrants struggled to keep up with the extreme demand.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass defended the response to the crisis, but acknowledged the challenges posed by the massive scale of the disaster.
Communities Under Siege as Wildfires Continue to Spread
As the fires rage on, nearly 180,000 people are under evacuation orders, and hundreds of thousands remain without power.
The Pacific Palisades blaze has already become one of the most destructive in Los Angeles County’s history.
Despite the growing tragedy, Mel Gibson maintains a sense of gratitude for the safety of his loved ones, even as he faces the painful loss of his home.