Actor Mel Gibson recently shared a controversial theory about the devastating Los Angeles wildfires. He suggested the fires might have been deliberately started to force people off valuable land.
Speaking with Laura Ingraham on Fox News, Gibson said, “I can come up with all kinds of conspiracy theories, but it feels suspicious. There was no water, the winds were strong, and some people seem ready to start fires.”
He wondered if these fire-starters were acting on orders or doing it on their own. “Some of the people being caught look well-prepared,” Gibson said. “I know water resources have been mismanaged, and it makes me question if these events are intentional. What’s the goal? To clear the state?”
Gibson’s theory aligns with others questioning California’s handling of wildfires. Ingraham mentioned how rebuilding efforts might focus on high-density housing instead of single-family homes, saying, “This push for high-density housing is coming from climate activists.”
Gibson called the idea “scary” and compared it to old cattle barons pushing people off land. He criticized Governor Gavin Newsom, echoing former President Donald Trump’s attacks. Trump blamed Newsom for poor wildfire preparedness, claiming he failed to release enough water for fire management.
Trump posted on Truth Social, calling Newsom “Gavin Newscum” and accusing him of neglecting water resources. However, CNN fact-checker Daniel Dale said Trump’s claims were false.
Gibson, who lost his $14.5 million Malibu home to the fires, criticized California leaders, saying, “They should’ve been ready, but they weren’t. Now, we all have to live with the consequences.”
He recalled losing his home while recording a podcast with Joe Rogan in Texas. “I knew my neighborhood was on fire and wondered if my house was still there. When I got back, it was gone.”
Despite the loss, Gibson said, “At least I don’t have plumbing issues anymore.” He expressed sadness over losing personal items that couldn’t be replaced.
The wildfires have forced over 180,000 people to evacuate and burned more than 38,000 acres. At least 11 people have died, and more than 10,000 structures, including celebrity homes, have been destroyed.
Local officials are under pressure as some fire hydrants ran dry in the worst-hit areas. Newsom has been criticized for cutting $101 million from wildfire prevention programs last year. This included reductions in vegetation management, research, and forest resilience projects.
Trump called for Newsom to resign, while angry residents demanded better leadership as the fires continue to rage across Los Angeles County.