- Mel Gibson voices sharp criticism of Governor Newsom’s wildfire management, accusing him of broken promises.
- Devastating LA fires fuel public anger, with overwhelmed fire crews and residents demanding better preparation.
- Facing the potential loss of his Malibu home, Gibson hints at leaving California for good.
As fires sweep through some of Los Angeles‘ most iconic neighbourhoods, actor Mel Gibson has made his thoughts on California Governor Gavin Newsom all too clear. In a raging appearance on the Joe Rogan Experience podcast, the 69-year-old offered scathing opinions on the state’s leadership and expressed grave concern over the future of his own Malibu home.
From allegations about misused tax dollars to fears of all-out societal collapse, Gibson’s appearance is a crucible for growing frustration among Californians grappling with the wildfires.
Gibson’s Criticism of Gavin Newsom
Gibson did not hold back in his scathing assessment of Governor Gavin Newsom. Citing Newsom’s prior promises on forest maintenance and wildfire prevention — “I think Newsom said ‘I’m gonna take care of the forest and maintain the forest and do all that kinda stuff’…he didn’t do anything” — Gibson’s comments reflect an increasingly popular line of criticism pointing to lacking preventive measures against wildfires.
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According to Gibson, funds that could have gone towards fire prevention may have been diverted elsewhere. The conversation took on a serious tone, however, as both men questioned whether the state’s budget priorities were aligned with citizens’ growing safety concerns, but not before this scathing little roast was snuck in:
“I think all our tax dollars probably went to Gavin’s hair gel…”
Mel Gibson
Beyond jibes at the Governor, the actor painted a grim picture of what might he believes happen if the fires continue unchecked. Citing Jared Diamond’s 2011 book Collapse: How Societies Choose to Fail or Succeed he claimed that “all those earmarks, the precursors of a collapse, they’re present in our time. It doesn’t take long… It’s an interesting observation. And we’re no smarter than our grandparents.”
Gibson went on to share an unfortunate update regarding his own property in Malibu. His son, Milo — who volunteers in a local fire brigade — sent him a video of their neighbourhood engulfed in flames. Describing the scene as an “inferno, Gibson suggested there was a strong chance his house could be lost.
Wildfires Wreaking Havoc
The LA fires, fanned by powerful winds, have brought widespread destruction. Multiple blazes — including one in the celebrity-dense Pacific Palisades area — have devastated homes, businesses, and key infrastructure. Various reports put the death toll at six, thousands of buildings have been destroyed and around 180,000 people evacuated. Fire crews continue to battle on the front lines but are resources stretched thin and hydrants in certain areas are unable to keep up with the demand.
Governor Newsom, currently facing sharp public criticism, was involved in a tense exchange with a distraught mother who confronted him about the state’s response to the fires. Newsom claimed he was trying to reach the president to discuss relief efforts, but struggled to provide solid assurances to the woman about what steps were being taken. His vague promises — “It will be different next time” — did little to calm the woman’s frustration, who acted as a conduit for mounting public dissatisfaction with the government.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass attempted to address the residents’ concerns, explaining that the hydrants were filled but couldn’t cope with a disaster of this magnitude. Even so, many Los Angelinos are asking why more robust systems weren’t already in place, especially given California’s long history of wildfires.
Will Gibson Stay or Go?
When asked by Rogan if this would be the final straw, prompting him to abandon California for good, Gibson responded that he already has a place in Costa Rica that he’s rather fond of… He seemed drawn to leaving the region’s fire-prone conditions, making clear his affection for the Central American country. Whether Gibson will decide to rebuild in Malibu or relocate remains uncertain, as the raging fires turn the Californian coastline into an increasingly perilous gamble.
With thousands displaced and lives lost, the LA fires have become a tragic reminder that California’s wildfire crisis is only likely to get worse in the coming years. Gibson’s blistering remarks underscore the frustration felt by many residents concerning the state’s preparedness and leadership.
As Newsom grapples with mounting public pressure and firefighters struggle to tame the blaze, the future of families — celebs and mere mortals alike — hangs in the balance. Whether this catastrophe prompts meaningful changes in California’s wildfire strategy remains to be seen.
