Hollywood Actor Joins Effort Following Palisades and Eaton Fires In Southern California
Mel Gibson has taken a public stand against California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, holding them accountable for what he calls the gross mismanagement of the Palisades and Eaton fires—disasters that devastated Southern California communities. Speaking at a Saving California press conference in Altadena on Wednesday, Gibson, who lost his own home in the Palisades Fire, joined calls to recall Newsom and demanded a federal investigation into the state’s handling of the crisis.
"We deserve much more and much better, and there is absolutely no adequate excuse the governor or mayor can make for this gross mismanagement and failure to preemptively deal with what they knew was coming," Gibson stated, according to KTLA. His frustration mirrors that of thousands of Californians who suffered from the fires, which left 29 people dead and thousands of homes and businesses destroyed.
The numbers are staggering. According to Cal Fire, the Palisades Fire alone burned 23,448 acres, leveling 6,833 businesses and homes. The Eaton Fire scorched 14,021 acres in Altadena, leaving 9,418 structures in ruins. Yet, despite years of warnings about wildfire risks, state and local officials failed to take adequate preventative measures.
Gibson did not hold back, calling out what he described as sheer negligence. "Was it incompetence? Was it indifference, complacency, carelessness? Was it negligence? Absolutely."
As one of Hollywood’s most recognizable figures, Gibson’s criticism carries weight, particularly given his new role as a special envoy to Hollywood—a position appointed by President Donald Trump. He argues that if federal aid is to be given to California, there should first be a thorough investigation into how the state’s leaders allowed these fires to spiral out of control.
Despite the mass exodus of celebrities fleeing California over crime, high taxes, and restrictive regulations, Gibson has chosen to stay and fight for reform. In a January interview on Hannity, he explained his decision: "A lot of people have left, and I don't blame them. It didn't suit them anymore. Even … people who were liberal, it didn't suit them anymore. But if everybody leaves, what's going to happen?"
His remarks came as Fox News host Sean Hannity himself announced that he had left New York due to rising crime, oppressive taxation, and burdensome regulations, with "no intention" of returning. Gibson acknowledged that many in Hollywood have fled for similar reasons but remains committed to working with Trump to bring reform to California’s struggling film industry.
As part of his new role in the Trump administration, Gibson will work alongside fellow Hollywood ambassadors Jon Voight and Sylvester Stallone to address issues such as tax incentives for film production. He argues that Newsom’s tax incentives, while present, are "not enough because it's still not working."
President Trump has signaled his full support for reforming Hollywood, describing it as a "very troubled" industry that needs major changes. Gibson believes the president will "get some results here quickly," especially if state leaders continue failing to create a business-friendly environment.