Gibson's film slate advances as legal restrictions ease
Gibson's Passion sequel heads to 2027; Justice Department restores his gun rights.
Event / Entertainment
Mel Gibson Controversy 2026
Mel Gibson faced backlash for mocking an American Sign Language interpreter at FanExpo Canada in August 2026, subsequently apologizing. The incident occurred alongside news of his biblical film sequel and restoration of gun ownership rights.
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2026-09-01 to 2026-11-08 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 1 Sept, 02:16 UTC
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What happened
Justice Department restores Mel Gibson's gun ownership rights
In April 2025, the U.S. Justice Department restored Mel Gibson's right to own firearms. Gibson had lost this right following a 2011 misdemeanor domestic violence conviction after pleading no contest to charges stemming from an altercation with his former partner, Oksana Grigorieva.
Mel Gibson mocks ASL interpreter at FanExpo Canada appearance
Actor Mel Gibson made exaggerated hand gestures while walking past an American Sign Language interpreter on stage at FanExpo Canada in Toronto on August 29. The interpreter was providing ASL interpretations for Gibson's career retrospective Q&A panel. Video of the incident circulated on social media, with viewers accusing Gibson of mocking the interpreter and making light of a language used by deaf and hard-of-hearing communities.
Mel Gibson's Passion of the Christ sequel scheduled for 2027 release
Mel Gibson directed and cowrote 'The Resurrection of the Christ,' a sequel to his 2004 biblical film 'The Passion of the Christ.' The new film is scheduled to be released in two parts in 2027: Part One on March 26, 2027 (Good Friday), and Part Two on May 6, 2027 (Ascension Day). Gibson attended fan conventions after production wrapped on the film.
Mel Gibson apologizes for mocking ASL interpreter
Mel Gibson issued a public apology for his actions at FanExpo Canada, stating: 'Sometimes when you get pushed out on a stage in a spotlight your mind is all over the place, and sometimes spontaneous thoughtless idiocy is displayed. There was no intended maliciousness attached, and I certainly apologize to anyone who was upset by it.' The apology was provided to media outlets on August 31.
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Gibson apologizes after mocking ASL interpreter at FanExpo
Mel Gibson mocked an ASL interpreter at FanExpo Canada and later apologized.