Mel Gibson has apologized after video from FanExpo Canada showed him making exaggerated hand movements behind an American Sign Language interpreter as he walked onto the stage for a Q&A.
The incident happened August 29 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Gibson briefly stopped behind the interpreter, moved his hands while facing the audience and then continued toward moderator Liam Crowley.
“Sometimes when you get pushed out on a stage in a spotlight your mind is all over the place, and sometimes spontaneous thoughtless idiocy is displayed,” Gibson said in a statement shared with Variety.
“There was no intended maliciousness attached, and I certainly apologize to anyone who was upset by it,” he added.
Video Shows Gibson Making Hand Gestures Behind the Interpreter
Gibson was appearing in a 12:15 p.m. session titled “From Braveheart to Mad Max: A Q&A With Mel Gibson.” FanExpo’s official schedule also listed him for paid autograph and photo opportunities that afternoon.
The interpreter was signing as Gibson entered from backstage. Footage shows him approach from behind, make several quick hand movements and then walk across the stage to greet Crowley.
The clip drew criticism after spreading online. One ASL user wrote that it was “always disappointing to see my language mocked” and said people work hard for the language to be recognized and taken seriously.
Gibson Called the Moment ‘Spontaneous Thoughtless Idiocy’
Gibson did not claim that the video had been altered or that he had been performing ASL. His statement described his actions as thoughtless and apologized to people who were upset.
He gave the same explanation to Fox News Digital, which reported that representatives for FanExpo Canada had not immediately responded to its request for comment.
Variety also sought comment from the convention after the video began circulating.
Alan Ritchson’s Separate FanExpo Clip Was Shared Alongside Gibson’s
Another video from FanExpo Canada became part of the online response. The separate clip showed Reacher star Alan Ritchson stopping to acknowledge an ASL interpreter and shaking the interpreter’s hand after his own Q&A.
Ritchson was also appearing at the Toronto convention that weekend. The two moments happened during separate sessions, but videos of them were circulated together as criticism of Gibson grew.
Gibson Says He Is Editing ‘The Resurrection of the Christ’ in Toronto
Gibson’s FanExpo appearance also included an update on his follow-up to 2004’s The Passion of the Christ. He told Fox News Digital that he was in Toronto editing and working on post-production for the two-part The Resurrection of the Christ.
Production wrapped earlier this year after 134 days of filming across Italy. The Resurrection of the Christ: Part One is scheduled for May 6, 2027, followed by Part Two on May 25, 2028.
