Mel Gibson Blames Newsom for 'Gross Mismanagement' of Devastating LA Fires, Joins Recall Effort

Mel Gibson has publicly criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, holding them accountable for their handling of the Palisades and Eaton fires that ravaged Southern California. The actor joined the "Saving California" movement at a press conference in Altadena on Wednesday, actively supporting the effort to recall Newsom.

"We deserve much more and much better, and there is absolutely no adequate excuse the governor or mayor can make for this gross mismanagement and failure to preemptively deal with what they knew was coming," Gibson stated, referring to Newsom and Bass.

The Eaton and Palisades fires caused widespread devastation in Altadena and Pacific Palisades. Gibson was among the thousands who suffered property loss during the Palisades Fire, which ignited on January 7. It's hard to watch communities burn and then hear excuses; preparedness should be a given, not a luxury, especially in fire-prone areas.

"Was it incompetence? Was it indifference, complacency, carelessness? Was it negligence? Absolutely," Gibson questioned, expressing the frustration felt by many affected residents.

Gibson, recently appointed as a special ambassador in Hollywood by former President Donald Trump, suggested that a federal investigation should be mandatory if California seeks federal aid for fire recovery.

The Palisades and Eaton fires resulted in 29 fatalities, with the Palisades Fire burning 23,448 acres and destroying 6,833 businesses and homes, according to Cal Fire. The Eaton Fire consumed 14,021 acres in Altadena, devastating 9,418 businesses and homes.

During a January appearance on "Hannity," Gibson explained his decision to remain in California despite the exodus of many celebrities. "A lot of people have left, and I don't blame them. It didn't suit them anymore. Even … people who were liberal, it didn't suit them anymore. But if everybody leaves, what's going to happen?" he said.

Gibson's comments align with Fox News host Sean Hannity's departure from New York, citing "crime… high taxes … burdensome regulations." Gibson acknowledged that many A-listers have fled for similar reasons.

Despite agreeing with Hannity on these issues, Gibson pledged to collaborate with Trump in addressing the challenges facing Hollywood. "[People] are going somewhere else because it's more cost-effective. There [are] just a lot of prohibitive regulations and things in the way that I think could be lifted. … But I think it can be fixed."

Shortly after Trump's inauguration, he announced that Gibson, along with Jon Voight and Sylvester Stallone, would serve as "special envoys" to Hollywood.

Gibson promised to convene with the other Hollywood ambassadors to formulate a plan and "educate" himself on the issues. As a special envoy, the "Braveheart" actor will concentrate on tax incentives, arguing that Newsom's existing plans are "not working." I mean, if even Braveheart thinks your policies are off, maybe it's time to rethink things, Gavin!

"I know Newsom gave some tax incentives, but maybe not enough because it's still not working. There are other things that offset that," he told Hannity.