Mel Gibson, the renowned actor, recently recounted the harrowing experience of losing his Malibu mansion, valued at $14.5 million, to the devastating wildfires that have been ravaging California.
Gibson was in Austin, Texas, participating in Joe Rogan's podcast when he received the news of his neighborhood being engulfed in flames. The actor, who had been trying to sell his mansion for years, was left with nothing but the memories of his home.
"Obviously, its kind of devastating. Its emotional," Gibson shared in an interview on NewsNations Elizabeth Vargas Reports, as reported by the Daily Mail. He continued, "I was doing the Rogan podcast And [I was] kind of ill at ease while we were talking, because I knew my neighbourhood was on fire, so I thought, I wonder if my place is still there. But when I got home, sure enough, it wasnt there."
Gibson's mansion, a sprawling property built in 1996, was purchased by the Oscar-winning actor in 2008 for a staggering $11.5 million. The mansion, which boasted a majestic old-world feel, including a castle-style turret, was home to many of Gibson's personal belongings, including photographs, files, and clothing. Despite the loss, Gibson maintained a positive outlook, emphasizing that material possessions can be replaced and that the safety of his loved ones was paramount.
"These are only things. And the good, the good news is that, you know, those in my family and those I love are all well, and were all happy and healthy and out of harms way, thats all I can care about, really," Gibson stated.
During his appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience, Gibson shared his concerns about society heading towards a 'collapse,' citing the wildfires that have devastated several neighborhoods around Greater Los Angeles and left other celebrities homeless. He criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom for failing to 'take care of the forest and maintain the forest,' although the current fires all started in urban environments.
"All those earmarks, the precursors of a collapse, theyre present in our time. It doesnt take long," Gibson warned, referencing Jared Diamond's 2011 book Collapse: How Societies Choose To Fail Or Succeed. He added, "It says all the things you need for a civilization to cave in and collapse. Its an interesting observation. And were no smarter than our grandparents."
Gibson's son Milo, a volunteer firefighter in Malibu, sent him a video of their neighborhood 'in flames,' which Gibson described as an 'inferno.' Despite the loss of his Malibu mansion, Gibson is not in danger of being homeless as he owns another home in Costa Rica.
The actor also expressed his dissatisfaction with Governor Newsom's handling of the wildfires. "I think Newsom said, 'Im gonna take care of the forest and maintain the forest and do all that kinda stuff' he didnt do anything," Gibson complained. He further joked, "I think all our tax dollars probably went to Gavins hair gel."
The wildfires, which have now claimed ten lives, continue to wreak havoc across California, with firefighters battling hellish conditions on the front lines of at least five different fires. The Pacific Palisades blaze has become the most devastating in the county's history, with almost 180,000 people under evacuation orders and hundreds of thousands still without power.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has faced criticism for the city's response to the fires, particularly the issue of fire hydrants running dry. She insisted that the hydrants were filled but were not designed to cope with a disaster of this scale. The fires, fueled by dry vegetation and extreme winds, have destroyed thousands of homes and businesses, leaving large swathes of the city engulfed in flames.
As the fires continue to burn, the resilience and strength of the community are being tested. Amid the devastation, Gibson's story serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing the safety of loved ones over material possessions. Despite the loss of his home, Gibson remains hopeful, embodying the spirit of resilience that is needed in these challenging times.
Login