Hollywood star Mel Gibson, 69, has lost his California home to the devastating Palisades fire.
The actor and director was in Austin, Texas, recording an episode of The Joe Rogan Experience when the wildfire broke out, ultimately destroying the house he had lived in for 15 years.
Criticized Governor Gavin Newsom
According to the BBC, the blaze rapidly spread through Gibson’s neighborhood, engulfing homes in flames. Fortunately, his longtime girlfriend, Rosalind Ross, and their seven-year-old son, Lars Gerard Gibson, were able to evacuate safely before the fire reached their property.
MEGA/GC Images
During his conversation with Joe Rogan, Gibson was already aware that his neighborhood was in danger. He mentioned that the area was ”on fire” and expressed concerns about the lack of response from California Governor Gavin Newsom. The Academy Award–winning director criticized Newsom, remarking, ”I think all our tax dollars probably went for Gavin’s hair gel.”89
Mel Gibson’s Malibu home / Photo by MEGA/GC Images
Upon returning to California, the 69-year-old actor confirmed that his $14.5million Malibu mansion had been completely destroyed. Speaking with Elizabeth Vargas Reports on NewsNation, he recalled his reaction: “I thought, ‘Eh, I wonder if my place is still there.’ When I got home, sure enough, it wasn’t there.”
Bought the property in 2008
Mel Gibson had been attempting to sell his massive estate for years, even slashing the asking price by $3 million.
The expansive mansion was built in 1996 and Gibson bought it back in 2008 for $11.5 million. According to Daily Mail, the five-bedroom property featured a grand, old-world charm, complete with a castle-like turret.
A view of Mel Gibson’s Malibu home / Getty Images
While grateful that his family was unharmed, the actor admitted that the loss was deeply emotional.
”I had a lot of personal things there that, you know, I can’t get back..,” Gibson shared.