Chantel Brink

Chantel Brink

January 23, 2025

Mel Gibson’s Latest Theory: Wild and Outrageous, Even by His Standards

Mel Gibson is known for his controversial ideas and beliefs. He’s known for rather explosive conversations and lives for diving deep into conspiracy theories. Something unexpected happened though when he was interviewed on The Ingraham Angle, where Gibson offered one of the most outlandish ideologies yet. The focus was on the California wildfires that devastated Los Angeles. This time, his usual followers were left shaking their heads in dismay.

A “Convenient” Inferno Interpreted by Mel Gibson

US actor and filmmaker Mel Gibson attends a special screening of "Monster Summer" at the DGA Theater Complex in Los Angeles on September 24, 2024.
Image Credit: Valerie Macon

Mel Gibson began by questioning the circumstances around the wildfires that started last Tuesday. He suggested that they may not have been as naturally occurring as previously assumed, insinuating a more sinister source. He suggested that they were deliberately set to clear the area of residents due to the monetary value of the land. “It’s just too convenient,” he remarked. The area has been recognized for its housing crisis in the past, s according to him, there was a grander scheme at play.

Conspiracies Catch Fire Online

Mel Gibson doesn't seem to stand alone on this one either - there are a host of videos popping up with similar theories.
Image Credit: Laura Ingraham Facebook

Mel Gibson doesn’t seem to stand alone on this one either – there are a host of videos popping up with similar theories. Even Elon Musk weighed in on the matter, adding fuel to the fire by suggesting a connection between the fires and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. While these claims lack any real basis, they have taken root in online communities. The loss o lie and homes has been turned into a waging war breeding speculation.

“Messing with the Water”

He also suggested that one of California's broader issues is officials “messing with the water” by allowing water reserves to flow away for uncertain reasons.
Image Credit: Laura Ingraham Facebook

Mel Gibson didn’t stop there. He also suggested that one of California’s broader issues is officials “messing with the water” by allowing water reserves to flow away for uncertain reasons. “California has a lot of problems that baffle the mind as to why they do things,” he said. “And then in events like this, you sort of look… well, is it on purpose?”

While Gibson didn’t elaborate much, his comment sparked a debate regarding the real issues with water management in the state, further muddling things and causing an even more shaky argument. This led to even further conspiracies popping up.

A Moment of Self-Awareness

Different from most conspiracy theorists, Mel Gibson did acknowledge the rather far fetched nature of his claims.
Image Credit: Laura Ingraham Facebook

Different from most conspiracy theorists, Mel Gibson did acknowledge the rather far fetched nature of his claims. “It’s an insane thing to think,” he admitted, “but one begins to ponder whether or not there is a purpose in mind. What could it be, you know? Do they want the state empty? I dunno.” As brief as he was on the matter, it didn’t slow down much.

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Laura Ingraham Fans the Flames

The show's host, Laura Ingraham weighed in with her own conjectures on the wildfires.
Image Credit: Laura Ingraham Facebook

The show’s host, Laura Ingraham weighed in with her own conjectures on the wildfires. She suggested a push for high-density housing may have been deliberate. She cited rumblings about plans that would rethink the rebuilding of housing structures in the area.

Goodbye single-family homes, hello high-density housing,” she quipped. Mel Gibson excitedly found himself intrigued by her ideology, responding in agreement. “Yeah, it’s pretty scary. And it’ll take decades to do, too,” he said.

A Familiar Pattern of Misinformation

As unsubstantial as Mel Gibson's claims may be, the discourse around the California wildfires is significant.
Image Credit: Laura Ingraham Facebook

As unsubstantial as Mel Gibson’s claims may be, the discourse around the California wildfires is significant. Many critics argue that the real cause of these fires is being overlooked. Climate change, outdated infrastructure, and human error are all reasonable reasons. The real issue is, conspiracy theories can sometimes be damaging, overshadowing real tangible solutions to prevent a repeat of what has been going on.

The Appeal of Conspiracies

Fire fighting helicopter carry water bucket to extinguish the forest fire
Source: Shutterstock

While his claims may seem outlandish, they do provide valuable resources when people find themselves processing the crisis. Even if considered sinister and outlandish, complex issues like wildfires, housing shortages, and resource management are real. Though lacking evidence, Mel Gibson’s theory does provide some weight on the matter.

Moving Forward

Los Angeles Wildfire concept background with extreme orange weather and fire, typography behind mountain.
Source: Shutterstock

The flames may have subsided and structural rebuilding is set in motion, but it is crucial to focus on the facts in place. California’s wildfires should be reminding us of a very real issue – climate change. They also prove that better urban planning and robust emergency response systems are urgent.

Mel Gibson’s conspiracies certainly serve as not only a cautionary tale, but a form of spectacle. Theories are just that, and without proof, they can be damaging and distracting, often spreading misinformation. So as California begins to rebuild, it may be wise to let things lie and focus on supporting the efforts to find solutions which truly matter.

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