Actor Mel Gibson has drawn criticism after mocking an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter during a panel at Fan Expo Canada over the weekend. The incident occurred as the 70-year-old actor took the stage and gestured toward the audience, then appeared to imitate the interpreter’s signing.

Gibson addressed the controversy in a statement on Monday, acknowledging his behavior. “Sometimes when you get pushed out on a stage in a spotlight your mind is all over the place, and sometimes spontaneous thoughtless idiocy is displayed,” he said.

Gibson’s career has been marked by previous public controversies involving offensive remarks. Notably, in 2006, during a drunken arrest, he made comments widely regarded as homophobic, sexist, racist, and antisemitic. Since then, he has spoken publicly about his struggles with alcoholism, describing it as a lifelong battle and expressing regret over his past actions.

The incident at Fan Expo Canada adds to ongoing discussions around public conduct and sensitivity toward the disabled community, with critics calling for greater awareness and respect during events involving diverse audiences. As of now, Gibson has not provided further comment beyond his initial apology.