Mel Gibson, the Oscar-winning actor-director best known for Braveheart, recently disclosed that his Malibu home burned down while he was recording a controversial interview for The Joe Rogan Experience.
During the podcast, Gibson admitted he felt “ill at ease” knowing wildfires were raging through the Los Angeles area, including his neighborhood in Malibu.
“I kept wondering, ‘Is my place still standing?’” Gibson told Elizabeth Vargas Reports on NewsNation. “When I got home, sure enough, it was gone. The destruction was complete—it’s devastating and emotional. I lived there for 14 or 15 years; it was home. So much was lost—photos, files, personal items collected over the years.”
Despite the loss, Gibson expressed gratitude that his family and loved ones were safe. “These are just things—they can be replaced. What truly matters is that everyone I care about is happy, healthy, and out of harm’s way.”
The wildfires, which have claimed at least seven lives and left numerous others injured, continue to rage on the outskirts of Los Angeles. Thousands of firefighters are working tirelessly to control the fast-moving blazes.
Controversy Surrounding Gibson’s Podcast Appearance
Gibson’s Joe Rogan Experience interview stirred significant controversy. During the episode, he criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom, accusing him of failing to address the state’s environmental challenges.
Additionally, Gibson praised Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and advocated for Ivermectin—a drug global health authorities have warned against. His endorsement of Kennedy came after more than 15,000 doctors signed a letter urging the U.S. Senate to reject Kennedy’s nomination for Secretary of Health and Human Services, calling the decision “a slap in the face to healthcare professionals.”
In another viral clip from the podcast, Gibson questioned Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution. “I don’t really buy into it,” he stated. “Ice age, dinosaurs—what did they turn into? Things became extinct at some point. But the idea that I came from some legless creature crawling out of the ocean? No. I think I was created.”
Despite the controversies, Gibson remained composed, emphasizing his personal convictions and experiences.
For ongoing updates on the Los Angeles wildfires, follow The Independent’s live coverage.
