NEED TO KNOW

• Mel Gibson emerged onstage at a FanExpo Canada Q&A and appeared to mockingly copy a nearby sign language interpreter
• “Sometimes when you get pushed out on a stage in a spotlight your mind is all over the place, and sometimes spontaneous thoughtless idiocy is displayed,” the actor-filmmaker said in a statement
• Gibson apologized “to anyone who was upset by” his behavior, which went viral on social media

Mel Gibson is apologizing in the wake of backlash following his appearance at a fan event.

When the actor-filmmaker, 70, took the stage for a Q&A at FanExpo Canada in Toronto on Saturday, Aug. 29, he appeared to imitate the sign language interpreter standing on the platform.

Video captured from the interview shows Gibson emerging from a curtain and briefly using hand movements to imitate the interpreter in front of the crowd before taking his seat.

In the days since, social media users have reacted to the apparent mockery, calling out his behavior as “disappointing” and “casually cruel.”

Gibson issued an apology on Monday, Aug. 31. “Sometimes when you get pushed out on a stage in a spotlight your mind is all over the place, and sometimes spontaneous thoughtless idiocy is displayed,” Gibson said in a statement shared with PEOPLE.

“There was no intended maliciousness attached, and I certainly apologize to anyone who was upset by it,” added the father of nine.

At the event, Gibson took a walk down memory lane to discuss with moderator Liam Crowley his movies, Mad Max, Lethal Weapon and more. He teased details about his two The Resurrection of Christ movies, the upcoming follow-ups to 2004’s biblical epic, The Passion of the Christ.

The Braveheart Oscar winner remains active in front of the camera as well, leading last year’s Hunting Season. Among his upcoming screen projects are the thrillers The Canyon and Coyote.

Mel Gibson Splits from Girlfriend 34 Years His Junior

Mel Gibson and Rosalind Ross actually quietly went their separate ways about a year ago.

According to People, Hollywood actor and director Mel Gibson, 69, has officially called it quits with his screenwriter girlfriend, Rosalind Ross, 35, after nine years together.

On December 30 (local time), the former couple issued a joint statement, expressing: “We are sad to close this chapter in our lives, but we have a wonderful son together. Moving forward, both of us will continue to collaborate to be the best possible parents for him.”

According to a source close to the couple, Mel Gibson and Rosalind Ross actually quietly went their separate ways about a year ago. Despite no longer being romantic partners, the two remain unified in co-parenting their 8-year-old son, Lars, putting their parental duties above any personal differences.

Mel Gibson and Rosalind Ross met in 2014 through mutual friends. The 34-year age gap previously drew significant international media attention. In 2017, the couple welcomed their son, Lars. Around the same time, Gibson celebrated a major career milestone when his film Hacksaw Ridge earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Director. At the time, the director shared his joy over holding his newborn son in his arms while simultaneously receiving the good news from the Academy.

Mel Gibson is currently a father of nine. He has seven children with his ex-wife, Robyn Moore, and a daughter, Lucia, with Russian singer Oksana Grigorieva (the pair split in 2010). His son Lars, from his relationship with Rosalind Ross, is his youngest child.

On the professional front, Gibson remains actively engaged in directing. He is currently focused on producing the sequel to his controversial yet wildly successful 2004 blockbuster, The Passion of the Christ. Titled The Resurrection of the Christ, the project is planned as a two-part release, with the first installment slated to hit theaters on March 26, 2027.