Mel Gibson issued an apology on Monday following criticism over his behavior toward an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter during a public appearance at Fan Expo Canada over the weekend. The actor, 70, waved his hands and made gestures behind the interpreter’s back as he walked onstage for a Q&A session held Saturday at the Metro Toronto Convention Center.

In a statement, Gibson described his actions as “thoughtless idiocy” and said there was no “intended maliciousness” behind them. He added, “Sometimes when you get pushed out on a stage in a spotlight your mind is all over the place,” and apologized to anyone offended by his conduct.

Fan Expo Canada, a multi-genre event focused on comics, sci-fi, horror, anime, gaming, and cosplay, featured Gibson alongside other celebrities. During his segment, the actor discussed his film career, including roles in “Mad Max” and “Braveheart.” He also offered photo opportunities and signed autographs for attendees.

Video footage of Gibson’s hand gestures circulated widely on social media, prompting swift criticism from members of the deaf and hard-of-hearing communities as well as others. The National Association of the Deaf notes that American Sign Language is commonly used in both Canada and the United States as a primary means of communication for many deaf individuals.

Representatives for Fan Expo Canada did not immediately respond to requests for comment or clarify whether Gibson had reached out to the interpreter involved.

Gibson’s apology comes amid a history of controversial statements and actions. In 2006, during an arrest for drunk driving, he made widely condemned antisemitic remarks, for which he later apologized and attributed to struggles with alcoholism. More recently, Gibson’s involvement in political matters—such as being named by former President Donald Trump as one of his Hollywood “eyes and ears” to promote domestic film production—has attracted attention. His gun rights were also restored by the U.S. Justice Department despite a 2011 no-contest plea to a battery charge.

The actor’s past includes accusations of homophobic, sexist, racist, and antisemitic remarks, factors that have contributed to ongoing public scrutiny of his actions and statements. Gibson himself has acknowledged battling alcoholism and expressed regret over incidents related to his behavior.