Mel Gibson’s Malibu mansion, valued at $14.5 million, burned down while the actor filmed Joe Rogan’s podcast.
He returned home to find his property destroyed by the catastrophic wildfires raging through California.
Mel Gibson reflects on the Loss of his Malibu home
In an emotional interview on NewsNation’s Elizabeth Vargas Reports, the 69-year-old actor recalled his devastation upon learning his home was gone.
“It’s kind of devastating. It’s emotional,” Mel shared. While filming the podcast in Austin, Texas, he knew the fires were affecting his neighborhood, but hoped his house would remain intact.
Mel explained how, upon arriving home, he was confronted with the reality of the fire’s destruction. “I went home and said, well, at least I haven’t got any of those pesky plumbing problems anymore,” he said.
He lamented the loss of personal items like photographs, files, and clothing.
Though the material loss was significant, he emphasized that these items could be replaced. “The good news is that my family and loved ones are all well, healthy, and out of harm’s way,” he added.
Mel Gibson’s struggle to sell his Malibu mansion
For years, Mel Gibson had been trying to sell his sprawling Malibu mansion. Initially purchased in 2008 for $11.5 million, the five-bedroom property was listed at $14.5 million.
Despite reducing the price by $3 million, the home had remained on the market. The mansion, built in 1996, featured a castle-style turret and a majestic old-world charm.
During his podcast appearance, Mel discussed the broader societal implications of the devastating fires. He warned that society was headed toward “collapse,” drawing on ideas from Jared Diamond’s 2011 book “Collapse: How Societies Choose to Fail or Succeed”.
Mel criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom for his failure to manage the state’s forests, which he believed contributed to the severity of the wildfires.
Mel’s son sends disturbing video of the fires
Mel also shared a video sent by his son Milo, who is a volunteer firefighter in Malibu. The video showed their neighborhood engulfed in flames, making it resemble an “inferno.”
Despite the destruction, Mel reassured fans that he had a backup home in Costa Rica, where he plans to escape in the future.
The Impact of California’s Wildfires on celebrities
The wildfires have left many people, including celebrities, without homes. Mel joked about potentially using the crisis to buy a “new house” but also acknowledged the personal toll it took.
Ironically, the restaurant where Mel had a notorious drunk incident in 2006, Moonshadows Malibu, was also a casualty of the fire.
Much of Mel’s anger was directed at Governor Gavin Newsom.
He claimed that Newsom’s promises to manage the state’s forests were not fulfilled, leaving California vulnerable to these catastrophic fires. “I think all our tax dollars probably went to Gavin’s hair gel,” Mel quipped, criticizing the state’s allocation of funds.
The fires have claimed at least 10 lives and are still burning through multiple neighborhoods. The infernos have affected areas like Pacific Palisades, where entire streets were wiped out.
The fires have spread quickly due to high winds, sometimes reaching 100 mph. Residents are left anxiously waiting for news about their homes, while firefighters struggle with limited resources.
As the fires continue to rage, the devastating impact is being felt by thousands of people, including celebrities like Mel Gibson.
While he may have lost his Malibu mansion, he remains grateful that his family is safe. The wildfires have highlighted deeper issues with state management and the growing threat of environmental disasters in California.