Mel Gibson Apologises After Video Appears to Show Him Mocking ASL Interpreter at FAN EXPO

Mel Gibson has apologised after a viral video appeared to show him mocking an American Sign Language interpreter during his appearance at FAN EXPO Canada.

The 70-year-old actor and director was filmed making exaggerated hand gestures behind the interpreter as he walked onto the stage for a question-and-answer session in Toronto.

The footage sparked criticism online, with viewers accusing Gibson of disrespecting both the interpreter and people who rely on American Sign Language. Gibson subsequently described his behaviour as 'spontaneous thoughtless idiocy' but insisted there had been no malicious intent.

Video Shows Gibson Gesturing Behind Interpreter

The incident occurred on Saturday, 29 August 2026, at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre during Gibson's FAN EXPO Canada appearance.

According to the event schedule, Gibson was taking part in a panel titled 'From Braveheart to Mad Max: A Q&A With Mel Gibson'.

A video shared online showed an American Sign Language interpreter signing to the audience as Gibson walked onto the stage behind her. He then appeared to imitate her movements by rapidly gesturing with his hands while looking towards the crowd.

The interpreter continued signing, although the footage does not establish whether she noticed his actions. The clip was later reposted across several social media platforms.

While the video does not prove Gibson's intent, many viewers interpreted his movements as mockery. Critics said the gesture appeared disrespectful because the interpreter was providing an accessibility service for people who are Deaf or hard of hearing.

Mel Gibson Apologises for 'Thoughtless Idiocy'

After the clip circulated, Gibson said that being pushed onto a brightly lit stage could leave his mind 'all over the place'.

He described his actions as 'spontaneous thoughtless idiocy' and said there was 'no intended maliciousness' behind them. He also apologised to anyone who had been upset.

The statement acknowledged that his behaviour had been ill-judged, although Gibson stopped short of saying that he had deliberately mocked the interpreter.

That distinction is important because the footage shows him making exaggerated gestures but cannot independently establish his intention. His apology nevertheless recognised the offence caused by the incident.

Why the Gesture Provoked Backlash

American Sign Language is a recognised language with its own grammar and structure. It is not simply a collection of improvised hand gestures.

Professional interpreters provide communication access for people who are Deaf or hard of hearing, enabling them to participate in live panels and other public events.

The National Association of the Deaf works to protect ASL and the linguistic and civil rights of Deaf and hard-of-hearing people. Accessibility guidance also recognises qualified interpreters as an important means of ensuring effective communication.

Critics argued that imitating an interpreter's movements could trivialise ASL and reinforce the misconception that it is a performance rather than a language. Others found the incident particularly uncomfortable because Gibson appeared to gesture while the interpreter's back was turned.

Controversy Overshadows FAN EXPO Appearance

Gibson's panel had been promoted as a retrospective discussion about his decades-long film career.

The actor became internationally known through films including Mad Max, Lethal Weapon and Braveheart. He won the Academy Award for Best Director, while Braveheart received the award for Best Picture.

However, the viral clip and Gibson's apology became a major focus of online discussion surrounding his appearance.

The controversy also highlighted the importance of interpreters at public events. Their work enables Deaf and hard-of-hearing audience members to receive the same information and participate alongside others.

Gibson maintained that he had no malicious intent. However, critics said his intentions did not erase the impact of behaviour they considered disrespectful.