Mel Gibson apologizes for mocking ASL interpreter, blames 'spontaneous thoughtless idiocy'

Mel Gibson apologized Monday after video surfaced showing the actor mocking a sign language interpreter.

Gibson, 70, waved at attendees at the Fan Expo Canada panel Saturday in Toronto, before appearing to jeer behind an American Sign Language (ASL) translator on stage at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

"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 told Fox News Digital. 'RESURRECTION OF THE CHRIST' WRITER REVEALS MEL GIBSON'S DARK SPIRITUAL WARNING ABOUT 'PASSION' FOLLOW-UP "There was no intended maliciousness attached, and I certainly apologize to anyone who was upset by it." Backlash swiftly hit the Internet following Gibson's appearance in the Constitution Hall for his panel discussion, "From Braveheart to Mad Max: A Q&A with Mel Gibson." MEL GIBSON AND PARTNER ROSALIND ROSS QUIETLY SPLIT AFTER 9 YEARS TOGETHER "This choice is bonkers to me," one user wrote on X.

"Interpreter just doing their job, people clapping for you, positive vibes ...

Mel Gibson: makes fun of ASL interpreter for no reason at all.

What dysfunction causes a brain to need to be casually cruel for no reason?" One user responded, "It’s dumb silly stupid and disrespectful sure.

But why is it cruel? He’s a ten year old boy who never grew up trying to be funny." LIKE WHAT YOU'RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS "Always disappointing to see my language mocked," one user wrote on a since-deleted post.

"We work hard to get our language recognized and be taken seriously." Some weren't as negatively impacted by Gibson's on-stage actions.

In a video circulating online, one X user wrote, "I’ve seen tons of comedians do that.

People are way too caught up in their feelings." Another user noted, "Least controversial Mel Gibson incident." Representatives for the expo did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.

Gibson confirmed at the event that he's actively editing and working on post-production for "The Resurrection of the Christ" in Toronto.

GET ENTERTAINMENT SCOOP DELIVERED RIGHT TO YOUR EMAIL BY CLICKING HERE In 2025, President Donald Trump announced three special envoys with the purpose of promoting business in Hollywood.

"It is my honor to announce Jon Voight, Mel Gibson, and Sylvester Stallone, to be Special Ambassadors to a great but very troubled place, Hollywood, California," Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.