Mel Gibson is apologizing after facing backlash over a video that appeared to show him mocking an American Sign Language interpreter during an appearance at Fan Expo Canada.
The 70-year-old actor and director attended the convention in Toronto on Aug. 29 for a Q&A about his career when the interaction occurred.
A video from the event shows an ASL interpreter on stage as Gibson is introduced to the audience. As Gibson walks onto the stage behind the interpreter, he turns toward the crowd and makes exaggerated movements with his hands before walking over to greet the panel's moderator and take his seat.
The brief moment drew criticism after footage began circulating on social media, with viewers accusing the "Braveheart" star of mocking the interpreter
and making light of a language used by members of the deaf and hard-of-hearing communities.
Gibson addressed the controversy in a statement provided to USA TODAY, apologizing for his behavior and saying he did not intend to offend anyone.
"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. "There was no intended maliciousness attached, and I certainly apologize to anyone who was upset by it."
The criticism came as Gibson appeared at Fan Expo Canada to discuss his decadeslong career in Hollywood, which has included starring roles in the "Mad Max" and "Lethal Weapon" franchises as well as directing films including "Braveheart," "Hacksaw Ridge" and "The Passion of the Christ."
His appearance at the Toronto convention also included opportunities for fans to meet the actor for photographs and autographs.
This isn't the first time Gibson has found himself in the spotlight in recent years. Gibson also made headlines in April 2025 when the Justice Department restored his right to own firearms, which he had lost after a 2011 misdemeanor domestic violence conviction. Gibson had pleaded no contest to a charge stemming from an altercation with his former partner, Oksana Grigorieva.
Gibson has continued working as both an actor and filmmaker in recent years and is developing a follow-up to his 2004 biblical drama "The Passion of the Christ."
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Mel Gibson apologizes after mocking ASL interpreter in viral video
