Oscar-winning actor and director Mel Gibson disclosed that his Malibu home was completely destroyed in the ongoing Los Angeles wildfires. Mel Gibson, who was away in Austin, Texas, recording an episode of The Joe Rogan Experience, described the situation as “devastating” and expressed his emotions during an appearance on NewsNation’s Elizabeth Vargas Reports.
“My home is completely toasted,” Mel Gibson said, adding that he felt “ill at ease” while in Austin because he knew his neighborhood was burning. He shared that his family safely evacuated following official orders and noted that his neighbors, including actor Ed Harris, also lost their homes. “I’ve been relieved from the burden of my stuff because it’s all in cinders,” he remarked.
The Braveheart star joined a growing list of celebrities, including Paris Hilton, Billy Crystal, and Sir Anthony Hopkins, who have lost properties to the fires.
I’m standing here in what used to be our home, and the heartbreak is truly indescribable.💔🥺 When I first saw the news, I was in complete shock—I couldn’t process it. But now, standing here and seeing it with my own eyes, it feels like my heart has shattered into a million… pic.twitter.com/mJcFjQVVX7
— Paris Hilton (@ParisHilton) January 10, 2025
Celebrities Lose Homes in Wildfires
The wildfires, described as the worst in Los Angeles history, have destroyed thousands of buildings and prompted the evacuation of more than 180,000 residents. Covering over 31,000 acres across neighborhoods such as Palisades, Eaton, Kenneth, Hurst, and Lidia, the fires have left devastation in their wake.
Hilton shared a video on social media of her burned home, calling the loss “heartbreaking,” while actor Billy Crystal and his wife Janice mourned the destruction of their Pacific Palisades residence, which they had lived in since 1979. Ricki Lake, the former talk show host, revealed she had lost her “dream home,” and The US Office actor Rainn Wilson said there was a “valuable lesson” to be learned from the destruction.
Also Read : Fearsome Winds Hinder Firefighting Efforts in Palisades Fire Igniting at 10:30 a.m, More Residents Evacuated
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Harry and Meghan, also expressed their solidarity, inviting displaced friends and loved ones into their California home. In a statement, they urged everyone with the capacity to help to provide shelter for evacuees.
Mel Gibson Criticizes Gavin Newsom
During his podcast appearance with Joe Rogan, Mel Gibson directed sharp criticism at California Governor Gavin Newsom. Mel Gibson accused the governor of failing to deliver on promises to manage the state’s forests effectively and jokingly claimed that taxpayer money likely went to “Gavin’s hair gel.”
The actor joined a chorus of criticism, with Republican President-elect Donald Trump calling for Newsom’s resignation. Trump argued that the Democratic governor had mishandled the crisis, accusing him of leaving “one of the best and most beautiful parts of the US burning down to the ground.”
In response, Newsom defended his administration, saying authorities were “throwing everything at our disposal” to combat the crisis and ensure community safety. The governor’s spokesperson dismissed Trump’s comments as politicizing a natural disaster.
Federal Response and Continued Threats
President Joe Biden has pledged additional federal resources to aid California in combating what he called the “most widespread, devastating fire in the state’s history.”
California fire chief David Acuna warned that ongoing high winds could worsen the situation, further endangering lives and property. He estimated that approximately 10,000 structures have already been destroyed.
Despite the tragic loss of homes and lives, community efforts to support evacuees and firefighters continue. In Pacific Palisades, actor Steve Guttenberg helped clear parked cars to make way for fire engines, emphasizing the collective responsibility during such crises.
As Los Angeles residents brace for more challenges, the resilience of affected communities and first responders remains a beacon of hope amidst the devastation.
