Mel Gibson has apologized after a video from FanExpo Canada showed him mimicking the movements of a sign language interpreter onstage, prompting criticism across social media.

The incident happened during the actor and director’s appearance at the Toronto convention on August 29, 2026. After footage of the moment circulated online, Gibson acknowledged that his behavior was thoughtless and said he never intended to offend the interpreter or anyone watching.

In a statement provided to Entertainment Weekly, Gibson described his behavior as “thoughtless idiocy” and apologized to those who were upset by it.

Video Shows Gibson Mimicking the Interpreter on Stage

Gibson was appearing at FanExpo Canada for a retrospective Q&A titled “From Braveheart to Mad Max.”

As Gibson walked onto the stage, an American Sign Language interpreter was already signing for members of the audience. Video recorded at the event showed Gibson briefly copying some of the interpreter’s hand and body movements before continuing onto the stage.

The moment lasted only a few seconds, but clips quickly began circulating online.

Many viewers criticized the gesture as disrespectful, particularly because the interpreter was providing an accessibility service for deaf and hard-of-hearing attendees.

Variety’s coverage of the FanExpo incident reported that the video triggered criticism of both Gibson and the convention after it spread across social media.

Mel Gibson Says He Did Not Intend to Mock Anyone

Following the backlash, Gibson issued an apology through his representatives.

He said that walking onto a stage under bright lights can sometimes lead to spontaneous and poorly considered behavior.

Gibson acknowledged that what he did was inappropriate but maintained that there was no malicious intent behind the gesture.

Rather than denying that the incident happened, his response focused on explaining that the behavior was impulsive and not intended as an attack on the interpreter or the deaf community.

He also apologized directly to anyone who had been offended by the moment.

Why the Video Sparked Such a Strong Reaction

Sign language interpreters at conventions, concerts and public events play an important role in making live programming accessible to deaf and hard-of-hearing audiences.

That context contributed to the criticism Gibson received.

Some viewers argued that mimicking an interpreter’s movements could make an essential accessibility service appear like a joke rather than a legitimate form of communication.

Others said the incident reflected a broader lack of understanding about the role interpreters play at major public events.

The online discussion therefore quickly expanded beyond Gibson’s individual gesture and became a conversation about accessibility and respect for sign language interpreters.

The Incident Happened During a Major Fan Convention

FanExpo Canada is a large annual pop-culture convention featuring actors, filmmakers, comic creators and other entertainment personalities.

Gibson’s appearance included his retrospective Q&A as well as autograph and photo opportunities with fans.

According to Variety, autograph and photo sessions connected to Gibson’s appearance were advertised at $275 each.

Because the actor was appearing at such a high-profile event, videos recorded by attendees quickly reached audiences far beyond the convention itself.

Within days, the short interaction with the interpreter had developed into a much larger online controversy.

Gibson Acknowledged His Behavior Was Thoughtless

One notable part of Gibson’s response is that he did not attempt to argue that the video was fake or that the interaction never occurred.

Instead, he acknowledged his behavior and apologized for it.

His statement emphasized the difference between his actions and his claimed intent: while the gesture itself drew criticism, Gibson said he did not intend to ridicule the interpreter.

That distinction is important when describing the incident accurately.

The video shows Gibson imitating the interpreter’s movements. Describing that action as deliberately mocking the interpreter reflects the interpretation of critics and media coverage, while Gibson maintains that he did not act with malicious intent.

FanExpo Canada Was Also Drawn Into the Backlash

The controversy did not focus exclusively on Gibson.

Some social media users also criticized FanExpo Canada for hosting the actor and questioned how the convention would respond to the incident.

Variety reported that it contacted FanExpo representatives for comment following the backlash.

At the time of that report, the convention had not provided an additional public statement addressing the controversy.

Gibson’s apology therefore came directly from the actor rather than through FanExpo Canada.

A Brief Onstage Moment Became a Wider Accessibility Debate

What began as a few seconds onstage ultimately developed into a broader discussion about accessibility and the treatment of sign language interpreters at public events.

Gibson has acknowledged that his behavior was poorly judged and apologized to people who were offended.

At the same time, he has maintained that he did not intend to insult the interpreter or the deaf community.

The central facts remain clear: Gibson was filmed imitating a sign language interpreter during his August 29 appearance at FanExpo Canada, the footage generated widespread criticism, and he subsequently apologized for the incident.

The episode is also a reminder that accessibility professionals working at major public events are not simply part of the background. Their work allows more people to participate in the event itself — and the way public figures interact with them can carry significance far beyond a few seconds captured on video.