Actor Mel Gibson has shared a controversial conspiracy theory regarding the catastrophic fires devastating Los Angeles.
The wildfires, which began in Pacific Palisades, have so far destroyed over 10,000 structures, burned more than 38,000 acres, and claimed at least 11 lives.
With only eight percent of the Palisades Fire contained as of Saturday, residents are demanding answers. Reports indicate that fire hydrants in some of the hardest-hit areas ran dry, further fueling frustrations with state and local officials.
The ongoing crisis has displaced more than 180,000 people and left Los Angeles County battling at least six major fires, with containment efforts progressing slowly.
As flames continue to ravage communities, public outrage grows over perceived governmental failures and the long-term implications for California’s housing landscape.
Now, Gibson has hit headlines for suggesting on Fox News’ The Ingraham Angle that the fires might have been intentionally set to displace residents from valuable property.
Speaking with Laura Ingraham, Gibson speculated whether the blazes were ‘commissioned’ or orchestrated.
“I can make all kinds of horrible theories up in my head, conspiracy theories and everything else,” Gibson said, “but it just seemed a little convenient that there was no water.”
He went on to mention the combination of dry conditions, strong winds, and individuals seemingly prepared to start fires.
“Some of these people that they’re catching seem pretty well equipped,” he added.
The Mad Max star expressed skepticism about California’s handling of its water resources, accusing state leaders of mismanaging reserves.
“They’ve been doing that a while,” Gibson noted. “California has a lot of problems that sort of baffle the mind.”
He questioned whether the fires were accidental or deliberate, saying: “It’s insane to think, but one begins to ponder whether or not there is a purpose in mind. What could it be? What do they want? The state empty? I don’t know.”
The discussion also touched on rebuilding strategies in California, where Ingraham pointed out that climate advocates are calling for higher-density housing in place of single-family homes.
“Goodbye single-family homes. Hello high-density housing!” she remarked.
Gibson responded by likening the idea to ‘old cattle barons clearing people off the land,’ calling the situation ‘pretty scary.’
Gibson’s comments come amid growing debates over California’s wildfire preparedness and the state government’s response.
Governor Gavin Newsom has faced criticism for reducing funding for wildfire prevention programs.
In 2024, Newsom cut $101 million from the state’s wildfire and forest resilience budget, slashing funds for vegetation management, forest legacy programs, and efforts to bolster homes against fires.
Critics have pointed to these cuts as contributing to the severity of the current crisis.
President-elect Donald Trump joined the criticism of Newsom, referring to him as ‘Gavin Newscum’ in a post on Truth Social and accusing him of failing to address water issues in California.
“He is to blame for this,” Trump wrote, claiming that the governor had refused to approve a water restoration declaration that could have allowed excess rain and snowmelt to flow into fire-affected areas.
However, CNN fact-checker Daniel Dale dismissed Trump’s allegations as ‘just not true.’
Gibson also criticized Newsom, urging him to focus less on personal appearance.
“He should spend less on hair gel,” the actor quipped, adding: “I’m not a big fan of either [Trump or Newsom].”
Gibson’s own home, a $14.5 million Malibu mansion, was among those destroyed in the fires.
Recalling his return, he described finding ‘nothing’ left of his property.
“It’s devastating. It’s emotional,” he said, sharing that he had been recording a podcast with Joe Rogan in Texas when he learned that his neighborhood was on fire.