Mel Gibson mocked a sign language interpreter while on stage at a festival in Toronto. A video of the actor’s gestures went viral, and he subsequently issued a public apology in an interview with The New York Times.
RIA Novosti
Gibson was participating in the Fan Expo Canada event; the 70-year-old actor took the stage to audience applause. He immediately began mimicking the sign language interpreter with erratic hand movements.
Later, the actor moved to the main hall and continued selling autographed photos. He also posed for photos with fans; a single picture cost $275.
Gibson faced a backlash after the festival, as some audience members found his actions offensive.
“Sometimes, when you’re thrust onto the stage under the spotlight, your mind goes into a complete muddle. I certainly apologize to anyone I upset; my actions were thoughtless and foolish,” the actor stated.
This is not the first time Gibson has had to apologize publicly. In 2006, he was stopped for drunk driving and made antisemitic remarks. Five years later, he was convicted of assaulting his ex-girlfriend.
The American public is currently more interested in Mel Gibson’s political connections than his acting career. Last year, Trump appointed him, Sylvester Stallone, and Jon Voight to serve as his “eyes and ears” in Hollywood.
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