Mel Gibson has revealed that his home was destroyed by the Los Angeles wildfires while he was away recording an episode of Joe Rogan’s podcast.
Speaking to NewsNation, the Oscar-winning actor and director said his Malibu property was “completely toasted” and criticised California Governor Gavin Newsom over the crisis.
Five different fires across the city have burned through over 36,000 acres, with 10 people reported dead and more than 130,000 people having evacuated. The fires have become the most devastating in the city’s history, with officials warning that high winds may further fan the flames.
Gibson said he felt “ill at ease” during his visit to Austin, Texas, to appear as a guest on The Joe Rogan Experience, because he knew his neighbourhood was “on fire”.
“It’s kind of devastating, it’s emotional,” he said. “I’ve been relieved from the burden of my stuff because it’s all in cinders.”
The Braveheart star, who has lived at his property in LA for about 15 years, said the homes of some of his neighbours had also “gone”, including one belonging to actor Ed Harris. Gibson added that his family followed the evacuation order and got out of the area safely.
During his appearance on Rogan’s podcast, Gibson criticised the California governor, saying Newsom said “he was going to take care of the forests” but “didn’t do anything”.
“I think all our tax dollars probably went for Gavin’s hair gel,” the actor added.
Gibson is one of the latest stars to lose their property in the fires, with officials warning that high winds could further fan the flames.
Earlier today (January 10), it was reported that Hollywood legend Sir Anthony Hopkins has also lost his home in the wildfires.
TMZ has reported that the actor’s house in Pacific Palisades was completely destroyed by the blaze, although the actor was in the UK at the time and did not need to evacuate.