Actor Mel Gibson has received public criticism for his statements regarding conspiracy theories surrounding the Los Angeles fire that killed at least 24 people and destroyed thousands of buildings, Anadolu reports.
Gibson has made headlines again, this time for stirring up controversy with comments about the California wildfires.
During an appearance on Fox News' "The Ingraham Angle," the 69-year-old actor suggested that the California government, including Gov. Gavin Newsom, may have been involved in the devastating disaster. His comments quickly ignited a firestorm of conspiracy theories.
The American actor and director said he could "put forward terrible theories" about the Los Angeles fires, but that it would be more appropriate to talk about the "lack of water."
“I can come up with all kinds of horrible theories in my head, conspiracy theories and everything, but it just seemed a little fitting that there was no water,” Gibson said, referring to the lack of water that left firefighters helpless in the face of the fires.
Officials said the problem arose because there were too many interventions at the same time and they were trying to use the water reserves immediately.
The actor, whose $14.5 million home was destroyed by fire, along with the homes of other famous actors, cast doubt "that the wind conditions were suitable and that there were people willing and able to start a fire."
He speculated whether the suspected arsonists were "ordered" or "just acted of their own accord," wondering aloud whether the fires were set "deliberately."
He speculated: "What could it be? You know what they want? An empty California? I don't know."
Authorities blamed the massive fires on drought and Santa Ana winds and, more broadly, the effects of global warming.