NEWS'Despicable' Mel Gibson Sparks Fan Outrage as He's Accused of Using 'Mocking' Hand Gestures Behind Deaf Interpreter at Canadian Fan Expo
Mel Gibson was accused of 'mocking' an ASL interpreter during a recent appearance.
Aug. 31 2026, Published 6:19 p.m. ET
Mel Gibson has landed in hot water with fans after allegedly mocking an American Sign Language interpreter during a recent appearance.
The Passion of the Christ star, 70, attended Fan Expo Canada in Toronto on Saturday, August 29, where moderator Liam Crowley introduced him before he took the stage.
Social media was divided on whether Mel Gibson mocked the ASL interpreter.
Mel Gibson Was Accused of Mocking ASL Interpreter
Mel Gibson made an appearance at Fan Expo Canada on August 29.
According to a viral video from the event, Gibson could be seen standing behind the stage, directly behind the ASL interpreter, as he waited for his cue to enter.
As he walked on stage, the Braveheart actor appeared to make several hand gestures before taking his seat for the Q&A session, which many viewers interpreted as mocking the interpreter and sparked a harsh reaction online.
Fans Were Divided on Whether Mel Gibson Was 'Mocking' the ASL Interpreter
Fans were divided on whether Mel Gibson was 'mocking' the ASL interpreter.
"He’s a terrible person. I’m not surprised by anything he does anymore. He was definitely mocking her," one critic wrote, while a second said, "Wow that's despicable."
Others believed Gibson's hand gestures weren't malicious and defended him, writing, "It’s a joke people get over it. People are just so ridiculous nowadays. What the h--- is going on with the world?"
Another user pointed out, "I’ve seen tons of comedians do that. People are way too caught up in their feelings."
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Mel Gibson Addressed the Fan Expo Canada Incident
Mel Gibson called his behavior 'spontaneous thoughtless idiocy.'
The movie star addressed the incident in a statement to Entertainment Weekly on Monday, August 31, claiming there was "no intended maliciousness" in 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," he told the outlet. "I certainly apologize to anyone who was upset by it."
Mel Gibson Teased His New Film During Fan Expo Apperance
Mel Gibson teased his upcoming film 'The Resurrection of Christ' during the Fan Expo Canada event.
At the fan expo, which is billed as "the largest comics, sci-fi, horror, anime and gaming event in Canada," Gibson attended a panel titled "From Braveheart to Mad Max: A Q&A With Mel Gibson."
During the session, Gibson looked back on his decades-long career in Hollywood, discussing his movies, Mad Max, Lethal Weapon and more. He also teased details about The Resurrection of Christ, which is a follow-up to the 2004 film The Passion of the Christ.
The Resurrection of the Christ: Part One is set to hit theaters on May 6, 2027.
