Mel Gibson apologizes after appearing to mock ASL interpreter

Mel Gibson is facing intense social media backlash following his appearance at Fan Expo Canada in Toronto on August 29, 2026. Video footage captured the 70-year-old actor making exaggerated hand gestures behind an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter as he walked onto the stage for a career Q&A session.

Many viewers interpreted the gestures as mocking or ridiculing the interpreter, leading to widespread condemnation from the deaf community and social media users who described the behavior as “disappointing,” “insensitive,” and “cruel.” In contrast, attendees noted that actor Alan Ritchson, who was also at the event, received praise for respectfully shaking the interpreter's hand after his own session.

Gibson issued a formal apology, characterizing the incident as “spontaneous thoughtless idiocy.” He stated that the pressure of being under the spotlight caused his mind to wander and emphasized that there was “no intended maliciousness attached.” He expressed regret to anyone who was offended by his actions.