Mel Gibson shares sad truth after fire destroys his home

Mel Gibson, the 69-year-old Hollywood icon, faced a devastating loss when his California home was reduced to ashes in the raging Palisades fire. The actor’s residence, where he had lived for 15 years, was completely destroyed while he was in Austin, Texas, filming an episode of The Joe Rogan Experience.

The fire, which rapidly swept through Gibson’s Malibu neighborhood, forced the evacuation of his partner, Rosalind Ross, and their seven-year-old son, Lars Gerard. Thankfully, they escaped unharmed. However, the destruction left Gibson heartbroken. Speaking to NewsNation’s Elizabeth Vargas, he recounted his return: “I thought, ‘Eh, I wonder if my place is still there.’ It wasn’t there when I got home, as expected.”

The $14.5 million estate, purchased by Gibson in 2008 for $11.5 million, was a sprawling, castle-like property with old-world charm. It had been on the market for years, with Gibson even lowering the asking price by $3 million. Now, it’s nothing but rubble. “I’ve never seen such a complete burn,” Gibson said, describing the devastation.

Despite the trauma of losing priceless personal belongings, including photos and documents, Gibson maintained perspective. “These are just things,” he said. “What truly matters is that my family is safe and sound. That’s all I care about.”

The actor didn’t hold back in criticizing California Governor Gavin Newsom for what he perceived as a lackluster response to the wildfire crisis. “I think all our tax dollars probably went for Gavin’s hair gel,” he quipped during his interview with Joe Rogan, voicing frustration over the state’s preparedness.

The destruction extended beyond Gibson’s home, with reports that other celebrities, including Ed Harris, Paris Hilton, and Billy Crystal, also suffered property losses. “It was completely toasted,” Gibson said of his home, adding a touch of dark humor: “At least I don’t have to deal with plumbing issues anymore.”

Incredibly, Gibson revealed that his chickens miraculously survived the blaze. Despite the immense loss, he expressed gratitude for the safety of his loved ones and called for accountability from state leaders. “Children are traumatized. Families are uprooted. Someone needs to take responsibility.”

The heartbreaking loss serves as a stark reminder of California’s escalating wildfire crisis, leaving even Hollywood’s brightest stars to grapple with its devastating impact.