Mel Gibson apologizes after viral Fan Expo Canada video
· Toronto Sun
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Mel Gibson issued an apology after creating a stir on social media when video footage of the actor apparently mimicking a sign language interpreter at a Fan Expo Canada panel in Toronto over the weekend went viral.
In the since-deleted video, the 70-year-old actor-filmmaker is seen walking out to cheers from the audience after moderator Liam Crowley introduces Gibson at the event held Saturday. But as he steps out onstage behind an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter, he begins gesturing with his hands, appearing to copy the interpreter’s movements.
The Passion of the Christ director then shakes hands with Crowley before the two sit down for the Q&A panel, where he talks about working in Toronto and starring in the original Mad Max film, among other topics.
Mixed reactions to video posted online
Though the audience cheered and clapped at the Oscar-winning actor throughout the discussion, several on social media who saw the viral clip were not impressed with Gibson’s hand gestures, while others thought he meant it as a joke.
Mel Gibson walked onstage at Fan Expo behind an ASL interpreter and flashed hand gestures at the crowd.
— Crime Talk with Scott Reisch (@CrimeTalkNet) August 31, 2026
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
“Always disappointing to see my language mocked. We work hard to get our language recognized and be taken seriously,” wrote the commentator who posted the original video.
Another person saw the humour in Gibson’s actions, responding to the post with, “We take it so seriously that we’re able to joke about it like we do everything else.”
Others also laughed it off, with one person writing on X , “One of the greatest actors of all time… also happens to be one of (the) greatest trolls of all time.”
Another commentator noted Gibson’s controversial past, writing, “On point for him. Such a disappointment he turned out to be.”
Gibson responds
The actor-filmmaker responded to the backlash in a statement to Variety , apologizing to those who were offended.
“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 the statement.
“There was no intended maliciousness attached, and I certainly apologize to anyone who was upset by it.”