LOS ANGELES, CA — Actor and filmmaker Mel Gibson is calling out California Governor Gavin Newsom, accusing him of planning to exploit recent wildfires for political and financial gain. Speaking to a crowd of fire-stricken residents, Gibson warned that Newsom is preparing to implement what he called a “Maui-style land grab,” referencing concerns that the state may redevelop burned communities without input from local residents.
“He wants to do the Maui plan,” Gibson said, referring to aggressive redevelopment efforts that follow disaster events. “The people in the Palisades and Altadena have no idea what’s coming. You think they’ll be consulted before their neighborhoods are bulldozed and reimagined?”
The remarks came during a community meeting in Southern California, where residents gathered to discuss recovery efforts following a devastating fire that destroyed homes and displaced hundreds. Gibson, whose own home was lost in the fire, has emerged as a vocal critic of state leadership, specifically Governor Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass.
In his speech, Gibson didn’t hold back, urging the federal government to not only oversee how disaster relief funds are spent but to launch a full-scale investigation into the state’s plans for post-fire redevelopment.
“With the kind of federal money Newsom wants, there needs to be a federal investigation,” he declared to loud applause. “Why would we trust the same people who let this happen to rebuild our cities behind closed doors?”
The crowd erupted into chants of “Mel for Governor,” as the actor emphasized the need for transparency and accountability. He accused California’s political class of using natural disasters as an excuse to reshape communities without consent, enriching developers and donors at the expense of everyday citizens.
Gibson’s comments reflect growing concerns among residents who fear their homes and neighborhoods may be targeted for transformation under the guise of environmental safety or modernization. Critics of the state’s emergency management argue that there’s little public input and even less oversight.
While Governor Newsom’s office has yet to respond to the remarks, the pressure is mounting as more Californians demand clarity on the state’s long-term plans for fire-ravaged communities.
For now, Mel Gibson remains at the center of a growing movement of citizens calling for honest leadership, public transparency, and a halt to what they see as top-down control of California’s future.
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