Mel Gibson apologises for ‘spontaneous idiocy’ after mocking sign language interpreter

| Assistant Entertainment Editor Published September 1, 2026 8:53am Updated September 1, 2026 8:53am Mel Gibson has spoken out after facing backlash for his behaviour at FanExpo Canada (Picture: Daniel Boczarski/Getty Images) Mel Gibson has apologised for what he described as ‘spontaneous thoughtless idiocy’ after appearing to mock a sign language interpreter at a fan convention. The Braveheart actor, 70, faced backlash after footage from his appearance at FanExpo Canada circulated online, showing him seemingly imitating the movements of an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter as he walked onto the stage. Gibson was attending the Toronto event on Saturday for a retrospective Q&A about his career, but managed to make headlines before he’d even properly taken his seat. Addressing the criticism, the Oscar winner admitted that whatever joke he was going for hadn’t exactly been one of his finer moments. ‘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 in a statement to Variety. ‘There was no intended maliciousness attached, and I certainly apologize to anyone who was upset by it.’ To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video The clip quickly spread across social media, where Gibson was criticised for appearing to make fun of someone who was making the event accessible to Deaf and hard-of-hearing attendees. FanExpo Canada also faced questions from some users over its decision to host the controversial Hollywood star in the first place. Perhaps particularly unhelpfully for Gibson, another celebrity at the convention provided an immediate demonstration of how it was possible to encounter an ASL interpreter without turning it into a bit. Footage of Reacher actor Alan Ritchson at the same event was shared alongside Gibson’s clip, with fans praising him for stopping to shake the interpreter’s hand at the end of his own Q&A. Gibson said of the moment: ‘There was no intended maliciousness attached’ (Picture: Barry Brecheisen/WireImage) Gibson’s appearance wasn’t exactly a cheap day out for those wanting to meet him, either. FanExpo Canada bills itself as Canada’s largest comics, sci-fi, horror, anime and gaming event and the third-largest pop culture convention in North America. According to the event’s website, autograph and photograph opportunities with Gibson were priced at $275 each. The actor has been making appearances on the convention circuit over the summer, having previously attended Fan Expo Boston. During that appearance, he discussed the long-mooted fifth instalment of Lethal Weapon and why the sequel never ultimately made it to screens. He addressed why fans still have not seen the fifth instalment in the Lethal Weapon franchise (Picture: Warner Bros/Kobal/Shutterstock) Gibson has also recently finished production on The Resurrection of the Christ, his follow-up to controversial 2004 biblical epic The Passion of the Christ. The original film was an enormous commercial success, grossing more than $612million (£450m) worldwide and holding the title of the highest-grossing R-rated film for almost two decades. Its upcoming follow-up is set to be released in two parts and could potentially mark another major box-office moment for Gibson, whose Hollywood career has been overshadowed by controversy for years. In 2006, the actor was arrested for driving under the influence in Malibu and made antisemitic remarks during the incident. He later apologised, describing his comments as ‘despicable’, but the scandal had a significant impact on his standing within Hollywood. Gibson has gradually returned to prominent acting and directing work in the years since, including receiving an Oscar nomination for directing Hacksaw Ridge in 2017. Deals of the Day The viral LED face mask with over 350 lights that's currently discounted by £100 A friend said I looked 'snatched' – I credit this new Charlotte Tilbury powder Shop MySweetSmile's biggest Bank Holiday offers before they end Back-to-school shopping just got a lot cheaper thanks to Primark The back-to-school essential parents forget every year – and it could cost them Arrow MORE: Lionel Richie, 77, in intensive care after getting ‘dizzy’ on stage Arrow MORE: Met Gala’s 2027 John Galliano theme cancelled after backlash Arrow MORE: Dolly Parton on course for ‘huge’ milestone days after death