Mel Gibson has revealed that his home was destroyed in the Los Angeles wildfires while he was away recording Joe Rogan’s podcast.
The Oscar-winning movie star said his Malibu property was “completely scorched” and criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom over the crisis.
The wildfire has killed at least 10 people, burned thousands of buildings, and forced tens of thousands of residents to evacuate.
Many celebrities recounted how they lost their property, while officials warned that stronger winds could further fan the wildfires.
Gibson said he felt “uneasy” when he was a guest on “The Joe Rogan Experience” during a visit to Austin, Texas, because he knew his neighborhood was “on fire.”
“It’s kind of devastating, it’s emotional,” Gibson told NewsNation. Elizabeth Vargas reports.
“I’ve been freed from the burden of my stuff because it’s all reduced to ashes.”
The “Braveheart” star said he had lived on his property for about 15 years and that some of his neighbors’ homes had “disappeared,” including one owned by actor Ed Harris.
Gibson said his family complied with evacuation orders and they are safe.
exist Rogan’s PodcastGibson criticized the California governor, saying Newsom claimed he “would take care of the forests” but “did nothing.”
“I think all our tax dollars probably went to Gavin’s hairspray,” the actor said.
Los Angeles is facing the worst wildfires in history, which have burned 31,000 acres (12,500 hectares) and prompted the evacuation of 180,000 people.
Five wildfires are still burning in the Los Angeles area in the Palisades, Eaton, Kenneth, Hurst and Lidia areas.
Cal Fire Chief David Acuna told Channel 4’s “Today” program that 10,000 structures could be destroyed. He also warned that high winds in the coming days could cause further damage to the area.
Republican President-elect Donald Trump called on Democrat Newsom to resign over his handling of the crisis, saying one of America’s “best and most beautiful” areas was “burning to the ground.”
Newsom defended the response and said state authorities were doing “everything possible” to protect the community.
A spokesman for the governor accused Trump of politicizing the disaster and said Newsom’s focus is on protecting people and ensuring firefighters have the resources they need.
U.S. President Joe Biden said he has pledged additional federal resources to help California after it experienced the “most widespread and destructive fires” in the state’s history.
Famous people who lost their homes
Celebrities such as Paris Hilton and Billy Crystal had their homes destroyed in wildfires.
Hilton, the hotel heiress and reality TV star, shared a video of the wreckage of her property on social media and said she was “heartbroken beyond words.”
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Actor Crystal said in a statement that he and his wife, Janice, were “heartbroken” to lose the Pacific Palisade home they had lived in since 1979.
TV presenter Ricki Lake said she had lost her “dream home”, adding: “I am saddened by everyone who has suffered in this apocalyptic event.”
The Office star Rainn Wilson shared a video of his burned-out home and said “valuable lessons” can be learned from wildfires.
Actors Sir Anthony Hopkins, John Goodman, Anna Faris and Cary Elwes also reportedly lost their homes.
Meanwhile, Pacific Palisades resident and actor Steve Guttenberg helped move parked cars to make way for fire trucks.
“This is not a parking lot,” he told KTLA. “I have friends out there who can’t evacuate.”
It is understood that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who live in California, have invited friends and relatives who were forced to evacuate to their homes.
“If a friend, loved one or pet must evacuate and you are able to provide them with a safe haven in your home, please do so,” Harry and Meghan said in a statement on their website.