Hollywood star Mel Gibson, 69, has lost his California home to the devastating Palisades fire.
The actor and director was in Austin, Texas, recording an episode of The Joe Rogan Experience when the wildfire broke out, ultimately destroying the house he had lived in for 15 years.
Criticized Governor Gavin Newsom
According to the BBC, the blaze rapidly spread through Gibson’s neighborhood, engulfing homes in flames. Fortunately, his longtime girlfriend, Rosalind Ross, and their seven-year-old son, Lars Gerard Gibson, were able to evacuate safely before the fire reached their property.
During his conversation with Joe Rogan, Gibson was already aware that his neighborhood was in danger. He mentioned that the area was ”on fire” and expressed concerns about the lack of response from California Governor Gavin Newsom. The Academy Award–winning director criticized Newsom, remarking, ”I think all our tax dollars probably went for Gavin’s hair gel.”
Upon returning to California, the 69-year-old actor confirmed that his $14.5million Malibu mansion had been completely destroyed. Speaking with Elizabeth Vargas Reports on NewsNation, he recalled his reaction: “I thought, ‘Eh, I wonder if my place is still there.’ When I got home, sure enough, it wasn’t there.”
Bought the property in 2008
Mel Gibson had been attempting to sell his massive estate for years, even slashing the asking price by $3 million.
The expansive mansion was built in 1996 and Gibson bought it back in 2008 for $11.5 million. According to Daily Mail, the five-bedroom property featured a grand, old-world charm, complete with a castle-like turret.
While grateful that his family was unharmed, the actor admitted that the loss was deeply emotional.
”I had a lot of personal things there that, you know, I can’t get back..,” Gibson shared.
”All kinds of stuff, everything from photographs to files to, you know, you know, just personal things that I had from over the years, and clothing, you know, pretty cool stuff, you know, but you know that can all be replaced.”
”These are only things. And the good, the good news is that, you know, those in my family and those I love are all well, and we’re all happy and healthy and out of harm’s way, that’s all I can care about, really.”
Gibson described the devastation in his neighborhood, saying, “I’ve never seen such a complete burn.” He also noted that other celebrities, including his neighbor, actor Ed Harris, may have also lost their homes. Additionally, properties belonging to Paris Hilton and Billy Crystal were reportedly destroyed in the fire.
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”Completely toasted”
”It was completely toasted,” the Braveheart star said of his own property.
Mel Gibson also made a dark joke during his conversation with Vargas.
”I went home and I said to myself, ‘Well, at least I haven’t got any of those pesky plumbing problems anymore,’”
He also added that his ”chickens survived, it was amazing.”
California wildfires have continued to impact many residents, including high-profile figures like Gibson. The destruction serves as another stark reminder of the ongoing wildfire crisis in the state. Commenting on the authorities’ response, he told Fox News, ”Apparently, some people were asleep on the job, mainly our leaders.”
”That’s something they have to live with. Kids are traumatized. Someone should answer for it.”
Watch the video below to hear more from Gibson and other celebrities who have experienced similar losses.
