While Mel Gibson was on-air in Texas, his $14.5 million Malibu estate succumbed to rampant California wildfires.
The catastrophe unfolded as Gibson discussed current events on Joe Rogan's podcast, leaving his home devastated, Page Six reported.
The wildfires initiated their destructive spread through Southern California early Tuesday morning. As the flames ravaged nearly 30,000 acres, Gibson was unknowingly discussing varied topics on a podcast in Austin, Texas. His return home revealed a stark reality: his beloved Malibu mansion, among others in the area, was obliterated.
During his podcast appearance, Mel Gibson expressed uneasiness knowing his neighborhood was afflicted by the wildfires. "I was kind of ill at ease while we were talking because I knew my neighborhood was on fire," he recounted on the show, pondering the fate of his home from afar.
His worst fears were confirmed upon his return. The site where his mansion once stood was reduced to mere rubble. "But when I got home, sure enough, it wasn’t there," Gibson stated somberly, confronted with the magnitude of the disaster first-hand.
Gibson, who had owned the lavish property for nearly 15 years, faced the loss of countless personal memorabilia, including photographs and files. Despite the significant emotional and material loss, he found a silver lining. "It’s just a thing but it’s devastating. It’s emotional... It was home to me, and I had a lot of personal things there that, you know, I can’t get back... But you know, hey, these are only things," he reflected.
His experience has stoked a philosophical revelation about material possessions. "I’ve been relieved from the burden of my stuff because it’s all in cinders," he commented, finding an unexpected form of relief amidst the tragedy.
In a lighter anecdote from the dire situation, Gibson shared that his chickens miraculously survived the fire. The chickens were found unharmed and had continued laying eggs, much to the actor's surprise. "It was amazing. We checked the chicken coop and they were fine," he shared humorously.
This bizarre survival story provided a moment of levity for Gibson, who jokingly mentioned the eradication of mundane woes such as plumbing issues due to the fire. "Well at least I haven't got any of those pesky plumbing problems anymore," he quipped.
The destruction has prompted Mel Gibson to contemplate leaving California, a sentiment he discussed with Rogan. With a property in Costa Rica, the idea of relocating has become more appealing. "Do you think this will get you out of California finally?" Rogan asked, pointing out the potential for a fresh start elsewhere. "Yeah, maybe. I got a place in Costa Rica and I love it there. It’s in a real nice spot," Gibson replied, considering a future beyond the wildfire-prone state.
The actor remains undecided about rebuilding the burned land or selling it. As he navigates through the aftermath of the wildfires, his focus remains on his family's safety and health, grateful that despite the losses, his loved ones are unharmed.
As Mel Gibson weighs his options post-disaster, his story serves as a stark reminder of the transient nature of material wealth and the resilience often required in the face of unforeseen tragedies.
