Mel Gibson responds after facing backlash for appearing to ‘mock’ sign language

Mel Gibson has apologised after facing criticism for appearing to “mock” a sign language interpreter on stage.

Videos of the 70-year-old actor’s recent appearance at FanExpo Canada captured the moment Gibson walked onto the stage.

As the Hollywood star emerged from behind the black curtains, he appeared to make hand gestures behind the sign language interpreter who was on stage.

Clips of the incident quickly circulated on social media, with many viewers interpreting Gibson’s actions as him making fun of the interpreter and accusing the actor of being insensitive.

However, some fans defended Gibson, arguing it was difficult to determine exactly what he was doing.

One US-based sign language interpreter also said she did not believe Gibson was “mocking deaf people”, suggesting the actor was simply being “silly”.

On Monday, Gibson addressed the incident, explaining his actions in a statement to Variety.

“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.

“There was no intended maliciousness attached, and I certainly apologise to anyone who was upset by it.”

FanExpo Canada is held annually and is “the largest comics, sci-fi, horror, anime and gaming event in Canada and the third-largest Pop Culture event in North America”.

Gibson’s appearance at this year’s event took place over the weekend and included autograph and photo opportunities for fans that were priced at $US275 each, per the event’s website.

In June 2020, actress Winona Ryder made bombshell allegations against Braveheart star Mel Gibson, claiming he called her an “oven dodger” at a party in the 1990s.

She also claimed Gibson asked one of her gay friends if he was “gonna get AIDS”.

A representative for Gibson issued a statement at the time, strongly denying the allegations.