In brief
As the wildfires continue to ravage Los Angeles, Mel Gibson has expressed his devastation after learning that his property was destroyed while he recorded a podcast.
The Oscar-winning actor, now grappling with the loss of his Malibu residence, stated that his home was "completely toasted," criticizing California Governor Gavin Newsom for his handling of the wildfire crisis. Gibson made these comments while guesting on The Joe Rogan Experience podcast in Texas, where he felt uneasy knowing his neighborhood was engulfed in flames.The wildfires have claimed the lives of at least 10 individuals and resulted in the destruction of thousands of buildings, displacing tens of thousands of residents. The situation has escalated to the point where the authorities have warned of more high winds potentially exacerbating the destruction. Gibson, who had lived at the property for 15 years, lamented the loss alongside several celebrities also victimized by the flames, including Ed Harris, Paris Hilton, and Billy Crystal. He revealed that his family evacuated as ordered and stressed the emotional toll of watching his longtime neighborhood "on fire." While discussing the crisis, Gibson criticized Newsom’s promises to address forest management, quipping that tax dollars were likely wasted on the governor's personal grooming rather than fire prevention efforts. The wildfires—some of the worst in California's history—have consumed over 31,000 acres and threatened the lives of approximately 180,000 individuals. With five major fires still ablaze in the Los Angeles area, California officials anticipate that 10,000 structures may have already been lost. In response to the crisis, U.S. President Joe Biden has pledged additional federal resources to combat what he termed "the most widespread, devastating fire" in California's history, while Republican President-elect Donald Trump has called for Governor Newsom's resignation. Among the celebrities affected are Paris Hilton, who documented the remains of her home on social media, and actor Crystal, who expressed heartbreak over losing a residence he cherished since 1979. Other notable figures, including Ricki Lake, Rainn Wilson, and Steve Guttenberg, have also shared their personal experiences during this catastrophic event. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have extended their hospitality to friends who've lost their homes, encouraging others to offer support to those in need during these trying times. With many still grappling with the aftermath of the wildfires, the community is urged to stand together in the face of adversity.
