Mel Gibson has been met with backlash from social media users after discussing a conspiracy theory on live TV regarding the Los Angeles wildfires.

The 69-year-old actor revealed over the weekend that he had lost his Malibu home in the blaze after it succumbed to the flames while he was a guest on The Joe Rogan Experience podcast.

Speaking on Elizabeth Vargas Reports on NewsNation, Gibson revealed he was in Austin, Texas, when he found out that his multi-million dollar mansion was “completely toasted" ,describing the loss as both "devastating" and "emotional".

“I’ve never seen such a complete burn,” Gibson said. “It is obviously devastating, it’s emotional. You live there for a long time, and you had all your stuff. I lived there for about 14, 15 years, so it was home to me.”

Now, Gibson has appeared on Fox News' The Ingraham Angle to speak about a conspiracy theory that even he admitted was "insane".

He told the host: "I know they were messing with the water, letting reserves go for one reason or another. They’ve been doing that a while. California has a lot of problems that sort of baffle the mind as far as why they do things."

Gibson then asked the questions, "Is it on purpose?" and "Do they want the state empty?"

The actor then admitted he was guilty of concocting "horrible theories" about the fires in his mind, adding: "I can make all kinds of horrible theories up in my head, conspiracy theories and everything else, but it just seemed a little convenient that there was no water."

"And that the wind conditions were right and that there are people ready and willing and able to start fires," Gibson continued. "And are they commissioned to do so or acting on their own volition? I don’t know. But they seem pretty well equipped these people that they are catching."

During their discussion, Ingraham said: "Well, now there's already talk. And we played a couple of soundbites. Of re-imagining the way rebuilding occurs. 

"And obviously there's a great need for high-density housing in California and across the country. That's a big push by the climate folks. And you're already hearing rumblings of that. In this case, like goodbye single-family homes. Hello high-density housing!"

In response to the segment, viewers took to X to bash the actor's baseless claims.

"Conspiracy theories are his last claims to fame," one person wrote, with another adding: "The has been is now an expert on water reserves."

A third tweeted: "I will never watch another movie with him in it."

"Mel needs a rest," one viewer responded, with another simply writing: "Shameful."

The fires remain one of the most destructive and costly disasters in US history.

At least 16 people have lost their lives — 11 in the Eaton Fire and five in the Palisades Fire. Thirteen others remain missing, as of this writing.

As firefighters continue to contain the blazes, officials have issued critical health and safety warnings to the public:

Water Safety: Residents in and around Pacific Palisades have been advised not to drink tap water due to potential contamination from the fires. Bottled water is being distributed at Westwood Recreation Centre and Brentwood Country Club.

Air Quality: The LA County Public Health Department has urged residents to avoid using power blowers like leaf blowers to limit exposure to ash, smoke, and particulate matter worsened by the fires and windstorm conditions.

Ocean Waters: Authorities have also warned against swimming, surfing, or playing in ocean waters between Surfrider Beach and Dockweiler State Beach, covering a 20-mile stretch. “People entering these waters could become ill,” the department stated.

Meanwhile, early estimates suggest that recovery efforts in the Los Angeles area could cost upwards of $150 billion, per AccuWeather.

Our thoughts continue to go out to everybody impacted by this unfolding tragedy.

Featured image credit: Rodin Eckenroth / Getty

An ABC News reporter has shared her devastation after the dream home she'd finally purchased burned to the ground just one day after she moved in.

The Los Angeles wildfires have caused massive devastation across the region, wiping out thousands of structures and costing at least 25 lives.

The battle is ongoing to get the wildfires under control, with strong winds in the area having contributed to the spread of the blaze, as well as dry conditions.

ABC News reporter Zohreen Shah revealed that she was one of the many that had lost their homes in the blaze, having just moved into her dream house with her husband a day before it burned to the ground.

Taking to Instagram, Shah shared photos of what was left of the "magical" property the couple had spent years searching for, as well as snaps of it in happier times before the devastating blaze.

She wrote: "I lost my home in the fires. It’s a total loss. We started moving in last week. Over and over, I told Rishi I couldn’t believe this sanctuary was ours. We spent one night there. Just one.

"It was perfect. It was magical. We dreamed of retiring in that same home. Just five minutes from PCH, yet it felt like another planet.

"Deer walked up to the home, the birds sounded like a tropical island, and the ocean view was the California dream. We had peach, nectarine, lemon, and avocado trees—and a small enclosure for lettuce and strawberries, safe from wildlife."

She revealed that her husband had spent the past six years hunting for the perfect property, which he found in November, and they closed on Christmas Eve.

Shah explained why the purchase of the house meant so much to her, adding: "Growing up, my parents didn’t own a home.

"Like so many, I worked, saved, and sacrificed with the dream of having what my parents didn’t have. I cook most meals at home, I haven’t had kids yet, and I don’t travel for fun. Because of this, over years, I saved enough for 20% of our down payment. I was so proud.

"And then - just like that - after years of working and saving, it was gone. Friends say we can now make it the way we want. But to me, it was already perfect."

She admitted: "I have to be honest. As much as I’m determined to rebuild with Rishi, we are also so damn sad.

"I know we are very lucky - we are safe. But I ping-pong between feeling like a stronger, wiser version of myself and curling up into a scared, 4-year-old version. I’m also scared because this isn’t even over."

Shah added that they are still in limbo waiting to hear from their insurance company, and aware that it will take "so long" to rebuild after the devastation.

"This journey is personal," she added. "I hope when people see me on TV or TikTok, they know they’re watching someone who saw her dream home turn to rubble - and is fighting to build it back again."

As of the time of writing, the Pacific Palisades fire - which claimed Shah's home and many others - had burned over 23,700 acres and is just 18 percent contained, according to Cal Fire.

Featured image credit: NurPhoto / Getty Images

As the devastating wildfires continue to blaze across Los Angeles, some celebrities have been forced out of their homes.

The wildfires raging across the state have prompted over 137,000 evacuations, including residents of the upscale Pacific Palisades neighborhood.

Officials confirm that at least six major fires are currently active, causing widespread destruction and forcing several Hollywood celebrities, including Paris Hilton, to flee their homes.

According to the Associated Press, the fires have claimed at least five lives and destroyed over 1,000 buildings.

Residents in the affected areas were evacuated under apocalyptic conditions, with wind gusts reaching up to 70 mph.

The winds grounded firefighting aircraft on Tuesday night but operations resumed the following morning, offering some hope in the battle against the devastation.

Among those affected are a number of high-profile Hollywood figures who shared their heartbreak and updates on social media, per BBC News.

Billy Crystal

Actor Billy Crystal revealed that his family home, which he and his wife Janice had lived in since 1979, was reduced to rubble, apart from the tennis courts.

In a statement, Crystal said: “Janice and I lived in our home since 1979. We raised our children and grandchildren here.

"Every inch of our house was filled with love. Beautiful memories that can’t be taken away. We are heartbroken of course but with the love of our children and friends we will get through this.”

Mark Hamill

Mark Hamill, known for portraying Luke Skywalker in Star Wars, described his evacuation from Malibu as “last-minute”. He noted seeing “small fires” on both sides of the road as he escaped to the Pacific Coast Highway. Hamill called it the “most horrific fire” he had witnessed in over 30 years.

Jamie Lee Curtis

Actress Jamie Lee Curtis also evacuated her home. On Instagram, she wrote: “My community and possibly my home is on fire. My family is safe. Many of my friends will lose their homes. Many other communities as well. There are so many conflicting reports. With all the technology there seems to be very little information. PLEASE POST FACTS! IT WILL HELP THOSE WONDERING!”

In a later update, Curtis confirmed her home was safe.

Paris Hilton

Paris Hilton shared her devastation on Instagram after losing her Malibu home.

“Heartbroken beyond words. Sitting with my family, watching the news, and seeing our home in Malibu burn to the ground on live TV is something no one should ever have to experience.

“This home was where we built so many precious memories. It’s where Phoenix took his first steps and where we dreamed of building a lifetime of memories with London.

“While the loss is overwhelming, I’m holding onto gratitude that my family is safe. My heart and prayers are going out to every family affected by these fires.

“To all the people who have lost their homes, their memories, and their beloved pets. My heart aches for those still in harm’s way or mourning greater losses. The devastation is unimaginable. To know so many are waking up today without the place they called home is truly heartbreaking.”

Other stars confirmed to have lost their homes include:

• Maria Shriver
• Cameron Mathison
• James Woods
• Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag
• Ricki Lake
• Sandra Lee
• Eugene Levy
• John Goodman

Officials have attributed the fires’ intensity to strong winds and prolonged drought, exacerbated by climate change.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration emphasized that increased heat and dry conditions are key factors in the growing frequency of wildfires in the western United States.

Featured image credit: Apu Gomes/Getty