Key Takeaways:
- Mel Gibson’s $14.5M Malibu mansion was destroyed by the raging Los Angeles wildfires.
- The actor expressed gratitude for his family’s safety despite the devastating loss.
- Gibson criticized California’s forest management policies, blaming Governor Gavin Newsom.
- Other celebrities, including Mandy Moore and Anthony Hopkins, also suffered losses in the fires.
Mel Gibson’s Malibu Home Destroyed During Podcast Recording
Legendary actor Mel Gibson became one of the many victims of the destructive wildfires sweeping through Los Angeles. The $14.5 million Malibu mansion he owned was reduced to ashes while Gibson was in Austin, Texas, recording an episode of Joe Rogan’s podcast.
During an emotional interview on Elizabeth Vargas Reports, Gibson shared his heartbreak upon returning home to find “nothing” left. “Obviously, it’s kind of devastating. It’s emotional,” he admitted. “I was doing the Rogan podcast and was ill at ease, knowing my neighborhood was on fire. When I got home, sure enough, it wasn’t there.”
Despite the tragedy, Gibson’s humor shone through as he remarked, “At least I haven’t got any of those pesky plumbing problems anymore.”
Grateful for Life Amidst the Loss
The director of Passion of the Christ expressed deep gratitude for the safety of his loved ones. “These are only things. The good news is that my family and those I love are well and out of harm’s way. That’s all I care about,” he stated.
Though irreplaceable personal items such as photographs and clothing were lost, Gibson emphasized that material possessions can be replaced, reaffirming his focus on family and health during this trying time.
A Home Listed for Sale—Too Late
Gibson’s mansion, a sprawling 5.5-acre estate overlooking the Pacific Ocean, was already on the market. Initially listed at $17.5 million, he had recently reduced the asking price to $14.5 million. The Medieval-inspired home featured five bedrooms, luxurious amenities, and intricate stone and wood paneling.
Gibson’s son, Milo, a volunteer Malibu firefighter, shared a video of their neighborhood engulfed in flames, which Gibson described as an “inferno.” When asked by Rogan if he would leave California, Gibson affirmed his love for the state but mentioned having a backup home in Costa Rica.
Criticism of California’s Forest Management
During the podcast, Gibson criticized California’s forest management policies, blaming Governor Gavin Newsom for failing to fulfill promises of maintaining the state’s forests. “I think Newsom said, ‘I’m gonna take care of the forest,’ but he didn’t do anything,” Gibson claimed. He jokingly added, “I think all our tax dollars probably went to Gavin’s hair gel.”
The wildfires have tragically claimed the lives of 10 people and displaced hundreds of thousands of residents.
Celebrities Impacted by the Wildfires
Gibson is not alone in his loss. Other celebrities who suffered similar fates include:
- Mandy Moore and Milo Ventimiglia
- Anthony Hopkins, who lost a $6 million four-bedroom home
- Adam Brody and Leighton Meester, whose $7 million mansion was destroyed
- Anna Faris, whose $5 million eco-friendly home was lost
- Reality stars Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag
The devastation highlights the widespread impact of the fires, emphasizing the importance of effective disaster preparedness and forest management.
