Mel Gibson says house destroyed in LA fires

Mel Gibson has revealed that his home was destroyed in the Los Angeles wildfires while he was recording Joe Rogan’s podcast.

The Oscar-winning film star said his Malibu estate was “completely devastated” and criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom over the crisis.

At least 10 people have died in the wildfires, which have burned thousands of buildings and forced thousands of residents to flee.

Several celebrities have told how they have lost property, while officials have warned that stronger winds could further fan the wildfire flames.

Gibson said he felt “uncomfortable” during his trip to Austin, Texas, to appear as a guest on The Joe Rogan Experience, because he knew his neighborhood was “on fire.”

“It’s kind of devastating, it’s emotional,” Gibson said on NewsNation. Elizabeth Vargas reports,

“I am relieved of the burden of my belongings because it has all been burnt to ashes.”

The Braveheart star said he had lived on his property for about 15 years and that some of his neighbors’ homes had also been “finished,” including actor Ed Harris’ home.

Gibson said his family followed evacuation orders and are safe.

In Podcast with RoganGibson criticized the California governor, saying Newsom claimed he was “going to take care of the forests” but “he did nothing”.

“I think all our tax money probably went to Gavin’s hair gel,” the actor said.

Los Angeles is experiencing the worst wildfire in its history, destroying 31,000 acres (12,500 ha) of land and forcing the evacuation of 180,000 people.

Five wildfires are still burning in the L.A. areas of Palisades, Eaton, Kenneth, Hearst and Lydia.

California Fire Chief David Acuña told Radio 4’s Today program that 10,000 structures were likely to be destroyed. He also warned that the winds could cause further destruction in the area in the coming days.

Republican President-elect Donald Trump has called on Democrat Newsom to resign over his handling of the crisis, saying one of the “best and most beautiful” parts of America is “burning to the ground.”

Newsom has defended the response and said state officials are “doing everything we can” to protect communities.

The governor’s spokeswoman accused Trump of politicizing the disaster and said Newsom was focused on protecting people and making sure firefighters had the resources they needed.

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.

Paris Hilton and Billy Crystal are among the celebrities whose homes have been destroyed in the wildfires.

Hotel heiress and reality TV star Hilton shared a video of the remains of her property on social media, saying “the heartache is truly indescribable”.

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 host Ricki Lake said he had lost his “dream home”, adding: “I am heartbroken with all the people who suffered during this apocalyptic event.”

US Office star Rainn Wilson shared a video of her burnt home and said there was a “valuable lesson” to learn from the wildfire.

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 way for fire engines.

“This is not a parking lot,” he told KTLA. “I have friends over there and they can’t get out.”

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who live in California, are understood to have 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 leave home, and you are able to safely shelter them in your home, please do so.”