Mel Gibson apologises after backlash for seemingly mocking ASL interpreter at fan event

Mel Gibson has apologised after he appeared to mock an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter at fan event over the weekend.

The two-time Oscar winner, 70, issued an apology for his “thoughtless idiocy” after a video circulating online showed the actor seemingly mimicking the interpreter as he took the stage.

The Braveheart actor issued a statement on Tuesday, after facing backlash online from those who witnessed his actions.

“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,” the statement, as reported by multiple US outlets, began.

“There was no intended maliciousness attached, and I certainly apologise to anyone who was upset by it.”

A fan video circulating online showed the actor being welcomed on stage as celebrity guest at Fan Expo Canada over the weekend.

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As Gibson walked on stage, he seemingly and momentarily mimicked the interpreter’s signs before pointing to the crowd.

The Mad Max actor came under fire for the move, as one fan online criticised Gibson for “making fun” of an ASL interpreter “for no reason at all”.

Others labelled the star “despicable”, while another dubbed Gibson an “elite troll”.

Gibson joins an A-list line-up of stars who have appeared on the panel for Fan Expo, including Mark Hamill, John Cena and Elijah Wood.

The actor is returning to screens in two upcoming blockbuster thrillers, The Canyon and Coyote.