Academy Award-winning actor and director Mel Gibson voiced sharp criticism of California leaders during an appearance on The Ingraham Angle after losing his Malibu home to the devastating Palisades Fire. The fire, which has scorched large parts of Los Angeles County, has drawn widespread scrutiny over the state’s preparedness and response.
Gibson, a longtime Malibu resident, recounted the harrowing experience of learning about the fire while appearing on a podcast. “I was on Rogan’s show and knew my neighborhood was on fire,” Gibson said. “I was tense, but my family was safe, which is all that really matters.”
READ: California Wildfires Continue To Rage, New Evacuation Orders Issued: Death Toll Climbs
Despite having little time to gather belongings, Gibson said he was able to retrieve a few essentials, including important documents. “When I visited the property later, it looked like Dresden after the bombings—nothing left,” he lamented.
Gibson directed his anger at state officials, including Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, accusing them of mismanagement. He pointed to reports of non-functioning fire hydrants and questioned decisions surrounding the state’s water reserves.
“California has a lot of baffling problems,” Gibson said. “You start to wonder, is this incompetence, or is there some kind of purpose behind it? It’s insane to think about, but the lack of water during a fire like this raises a lot of questions.”
Gibson also criticized California’s broader priorities, including a push for high-density housing as part of climate and housing reforms. “It feels like the old cattle barons clearing people off the land,” he said. “It makes you wonder what the endgame is.”
READ: Los Angeles Fire Chief Details How ‘Devastating’ Cuts Led To ‘Horrific’ Wildfire
The actor shared that his son, a volunteer firefighter, had been involved in catching a suspected arsonist in the Corral Canyon area. “This guy was all tooled up with fire gear and ready to go,” Gibson said. “It makes you wonder if these people are acting on their own or if there’s something more sinister going on.”
The suspect was handed over to authorities but was reportedly not charged, a decision Gibson called “bizarre.”
When asked for a direct message to Governor Newsom and Mayor Bass, Gibson delivered a biting retort: “Spend less on hair gel.”
READ: California GOP Torches Newsom For ‘Tone Deaf’ Session To ‘Trump-Proof’ State Amid Wildfires
The Palisades Fire is one of several devastating wildfires affecting California this season, with hundreds of residents displaced and significant property losses reported. Officials have yet to determine the fire’s cause, though arson has not been ruled out.
Despite his personal loss, Gibson expressed gratitude for his safety and focused on the resilience of his community. “I feel worse for my neighbors. This is tragic, but at the end of the day, these are just things. What matters is that we’re still here.”
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