Mel Gibson has revealed that his home was destroyed by wildfires in Los Angeles while he was away filming Joe Rogan’s podcast.
The Oscar-winning movie star said his Malibu estate was “totally toasted” and criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom over the crisis.
At least 10 people died in forest fires that burned thousands of buildings and prompted the evacuation of tens of thousands of residents.
A number of celebrities have reported losing their possessions, while officials have warned that strong winds could fan the fires further.
Gibson said he felt “uneasy” during a visit to Austin, Texas, when he was a guest on The Joe Rogan Experience, because he knew his neighborhood was “on fire.”
“It’s kind of devastating, it’s emotional,” Gibson told NewsNation Elizabeth Vargas reports.
“I am relieved of the burden of my belongings because everything is in ashes.”
The Braveheart star said he had lived on his property for around 15 years and that some of his neighbours’ homes were also “gone”, including one belonging to actor Ed Harris.
Gibson said his family followed the evacuation order and are safe.
in podcast with RoganGibson criticized the California governor, saying Newsom claimed he would “take care of the forests” but “has done nothing.”
“I think all our tax dollars probably went to Gavin’s hair gel,” the actor said.
Los Angeles is dealing with the worst wildfires in its history, which have consumed 31,000 acres (12,500 hectares) of land and forced the evacuation of 180,000 people.
Five wildfires are still burning in the Palisades, Eaton, Kenneth, Hurst and Lydia areas of Los Angeles.
California Fire Chief David Acuna told the Radio 4 Today program that 10,000 structures were probably destroyed. He also warned that winds in the coming days could lead to further destruction in the area.
Republican President-elect Donald Trump has called on Newsom, a Democrat, to resign over his handling of the crisis, saying “one of the best and most beautiful” parts of the US is “burning to the ground.”
Newsom defended the response and said state officials are “throwing everything at our disposal” to protect communities.
The governor’s spokeswoman accused Trump of politicizing the disaster and said Newsom is focused on protecting people and making sure firefighters have the resources they need.
US President Joe Biden said he has pledged additional federal resources to help California after the “most widespread, devastating wildfire” in the state’s history.
Celebrities who lost their homes
Paris Hilton and Billy Crystal are among the celebrities whose homes were destroyed in the wildfires.
Hilton, a hotel heiress and reality TV star, shared a video of the remains of her property on social media and said it was “truly heartbreaking”.
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Actor Crystal said in a statement that he and his wife, Janice, were “heartbroken” by the loss of their Pacific Palisades home, where they had lived since 1979.
TV presenter Ricki Lake said she had lost her “dream home”, adding: “I grieve with all those suffering during this apocalyptic event.”
US Office star Rainn Wilson has shared a video of his burnt-out house and said there are “valuable lessons” to be learned from wildfires.
Actors Sir Anthony Hopkins, John Goodman, Anna Faris and Cary Elwes also reportedly lost their homes.
Meanwhile, Pacific Palisades resident actor Steve Guttenberg helped move parked cars to make room for fire trucks.
“This is not a parking lot,” he told KTLA. “I have friends up there and they can’t evacuate.”
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who live in California, have reportedly invited friends and loved ones who were forced to evacuate to their home.
In a statement on their website, Harry and Meghan said: “If a friend, loved one or pet needs to evacuate and you can offer them a safe haven in your home, please do so.”
