Mel Gibson recounted returning home to find “nothing” after his $14.5 million Malibu mansion was destroyed in wildfires while he was recording Joe Rogan’s podcast in Austin, Texas.
In an emotional interview on NewsNation’s Elizabeth Vargas Reports, the 69-year-old actor expressed his heartbreak over losing his home to the devastating blaze. “It’s obviously devastating and emotional,” he began.
While recording the podcast, Gibson admitted he was uneasy, knowing his neighborhood was engulfed in flames. “I wondered if my house was still there,” he said. Upon returning, he discovered it was gone, quipping, “At least I don’t have any plumbing problems now.”
Gibson revealed the loss of countless personal items, including photos, files, and sentimental possessions accumulated over the years. Still, he emphasized the importance of his loved ones’ safety. “These are just things. The good news is my family is safe, happy, and healthy—that’s all that matters.”
The property, purchased in 2008 for $11.5 million, featured five bedrooms and a castle-like aesthetic. Gibson had been trying to sell it for years, reducing the price by $3 million.
During his recent appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience, Gibson shared ominous reflections on societal collapse, citing Jared Diamond’s book Collapse: How Societies Choose to Fail or Succeed. He also criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom, accusing him of neglecting forest management, though the fires originated in urban areas.
Gibson’s son Milo, a volunteer firefighter in Malibu, sent him footage of their neighborhood engulfed in flames. Despite the devastation, Gibson mentioned his home in Costa Rica, hinting it might be time to relocate. “I love it there,” he said.
Ironically, the Moonshadows Malibu restaurant, where Gibson made headlines in 2006, was also consumed by the fire. He joked about the possibility of building a new home, maintaining some humor amid the tragedy.
The fires, fueled by extreme winds and dry conditions, have caused widespread destruction across Los Angeles, claiming lives and displacing thousands. Emergency responders continue battling the infernos, as residents face heartbreaking losses.
