Actor Mel Gibson joins a long list of elite residents who have accused elected officials of mishandling the Los Angeles fires.
Gibson, who lost his home during the crisis, slammed Gov. Gavin Newsom in an exclusive interview with Fox News contributor Raymond Arroyo.
“Well, at first I thought, 'Oh, bad luck, it's a tragedy.' But then I realized that it was a gross mismanagement by our elected officials, and that That's the nicest thing you can say about it,” Gibson said on the show's debut episode.Arroyo Grande with Raymond Arroyo“Podcast.
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“Flight Risk” director Mel Gibson said he “doesn't trust” Gov. Gavin Newsom and elected officials amid the Los Angeles fires. (Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
The Academy Award-winning filmmaker detailed how the Los Angeles fires have affected him personally, with a video playing in the background of the aftermath of his home being reduced to ashes.
Gibson criticized Newsom's plan, even as California's governor called for significant changes in wildfire preparedness and prevention.
“As residents here, I would like to say that Newsom and [Mayor] Bus, they want us to trust them to reimagine this city, our cities, and what they should be. I mean, look at what they’ve done to this town so far,” he said.
“All we have is rampant crime, serious homelessness, high taxes, water mismanagement, defunding of firefighters and police, and yet we are entrusting them with millions of dollars to keep us from living. Are we supposed to rebuild the place? This is our city, it's our city.'' People's city, and they have other plans… Woolsey fire people. Still living in a trailer… Have you ever seen the government “build back better”? …At the very least, it's insensitive.”
Mel Gibson's Malibu home was destroyed in the Palisades Fire in Los Angeles on January 10, 2025. (MEGA/GC image)
A massive and deadly fire broke out in the Los Angeles area on January 7, destroying homes and businesses and forcing tens of thousands of residents to evacuate for safety.
The “Flight Risk'' director described losing his home in the fire as a “cleansing'' and said it may be preparation for the film “The Resurrection of Christ.''
“But then we realized that this was a gross mismanagement by our elected officials. That's the best thing that can be said about this.”
— Mel Gibson
“It was a weird mixture of sadness…kind of a weird realization and blessing…because I thought those were just things.…I’m going to miss some things. There was something precious…something personal that just broke my heart. …I feel like I’m being undressed and being prepared for something else… It may be a very personal thing, but the Almighty is preparing me to do something big. I feel like they are helping me.”
The director of “Flight Risk'' likened the loss of his home to the movie “The Resurrection of Christ,'' and described his burned down home as “purification.'' (MEGA/GC image)
Gibson is preparing for his new role in The Resurrection of Christ. This film is a sequel to the 2004 film The Passion of the Christ.
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The actor went on to explain why the timing of the film's release, 20 years later, is “perfect.”
“Society…is degenerating.…We need to be reminded of the most basic things that make civilization.…Civilization [is] I'm being threatened. ”
Gibson also told Arroyo that mismanagement of elected officials is another reason Americans continue to flee cities.
In an exclusive interview with FOX News contributor Raymond Arroyo, Gibson detailed what his experience with tragic fires and natural disasters has taught him. (MEGA/GC image)
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“Many people's spirits are hurt. The same thing happened, and it happened again. And then you realize that you don't trust… the leaders that you elected. … And then it happens again. Will it happen? A lot of people just want to move,” Gibson said.
“People were already starting to move out of state in droves…to Texas, to Idaho, to South Carolina…to escape the political and social climate that was developing here that they had not dug.… wanted to go somewhere. They felt like free Americans. It's “too difficult a basket”…we have to find something else. ”
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Celebrities including Justin Bateman have called for Newsom and other Los Angeles city officials to be fired over the fire.
The governor's office previously released a letter regarding the lack of water at fire hydrants, saying, “The overall water supply in Southern California is not the problem, but the movement of water during initial response is.”
“That's why @CAGovernor Newsom has ordered a full independent review of LADWP. Something like this can't happen again,” the post reads.
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Actor Mel Gibson has told California Governor Gavin Newsom to “spend less on hair gel” as fires rage in Los Angeles County. (Getty/Fox News)
Meanwhile, Mr. Gibson went on to elaborate on what his experiences with tragic fires and natural disasters have taught him.
Gibson's film “Flight Risk'' will be released in theaters on January 24th. (Chris Pizzello)
“You have to depend on yourself and your neighbors…your family, your friends, your community…let’s unite. Make your voice heard…because it’s clear…our elected officials – I don’t think they care…they don’t really do much…trust God…it’s hard when your feelings are on fire.”
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Gibson's film Flight Risk, starring Mark Wahlberg, Michelle Dockery and Topher Grace, will be released in theaters on January 24th.
Stephanie Giang-Paunon is an entertainment writer for Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to [email protected] and Twitter: @SGiangPaunon.