New York— Actor and director Mel Gibson has publicly criticized Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, blaming them for what he calls “rampant lawlessness” and “civil unrest” following a weekend of violent protests in Los Angeles.
Speaking on the “Arroyo Grande” podcast with Raymond Arroyo, Gibson accused both leaders of showing “incompetence” during both the recent protests and the devastating Palisades and Eaton wildfires earlier this year. Gibson lost his home in one of those fires.
“They’ve failed to act effectively during every crisis,” Gibson said. “California’s in turmoil. How much more of this leadership can we tolerate?”
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The actor, known for roles in Braveheart and The Passion of the Christ, also referenced the Saving California movement, which he joined in February to support Newsom’s recall. He accused Newsom and Bass of negligence and blamed them for not preventing the violence that erupted after anti-ICE protests turned into riots.
In response to the chaos, President Trump deployed over 11,000 troops—including the National Guard and U.S. Marines—to Los Angeles without the governor’s consent. This federal move has sparked a legal dispute, with a lower court ruling against Trump and an appeals court placing a temporary hold on that decision.
Mayor Bass imposed a curfew in downtown Los Angeles, while both she and Newsom urged calm and condemned the violence. Newsom, in his final term, will not run again in 2026. Bass has announced her intention to seek re-election.
Gibson concluded his remarks by calling on Californians to “take back” the state and elect leaders who prioritize safety and responsibility.