Mel Gibson shares emotional experience of losing home in LA fire, says his chickens miraculously survived
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Mel Gibson has joined the list of celebrities whose homes were destroyed in the devastating Los Angeles wildfires.
During an appearance on Elizabeth Vargas Reports on Thursday, January 9, Gibson shared the emotional and surreal experience of losing his Malibu property while filming in Austin, Texas.
Mel Gibson says it's 'devastating' to see his home destroyed
Speaking about losing his home, Gibson said, "Obviously, it’s kind of devastating. It’s emotional."
"You live there for a long time, and you had all your stuff. I’ve been relieved from the burden of my stuff because it’s all in cinders,” he added.
Despite the tragic loss, Gibson maintained his trademark humor.
"When I got home, sure enough, it wasn’t there," he said, adding jokingly, "Well, at least I haven’t got any of those pesky plumbing problems anymore."
Mel Gibson calls his pet chickens' survival 'amazing'
While his property was "completely toasted," Mel Gibson found solace in an unexpected survival story.
"My chickens survived—it was amazing," he said, expressing gratitude that his partner Rosalind Ross and their family had already evacuated and were unharmed.
Reflecting on the destruction of personal belongings, Gibson remarked, "Everything from photographs to files, clothing, and personal items—it’s all gone."
"But these are just things. What matters is that my family is safe and healthy," he added.
Wildfires cause widespread destruction
The Los Angeles wildfires, fueled by strong winds, began on January 7 in the Pacific Palisades area.
Known as the Eaton Fire (or Close Fire), it has forced over 80,000 people to evacuate and destroyed thousands of structures.
The flames have swept across Los Angeles County, including the Hollywood Hills, leaving behind a trail of devastation, according to People.
Officials, including Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna, are yet to confirm the full extent of the damage or the death toll.
Celebrity losses in the Los Angeles fires
Mel Gibson is not alone in his heartbreak. Several celebrities, including Leighton Meester, Adam Brody, Anna Faris, Ricki Lake, Cameron Mathison, Paris Hilton, and Spencer Pratt, have confirmed the destruction of their homes.
Paris Hilton shared an emotional video on X, showing the charred remains of her Malibu home.
"When I first saw the news, I was in complete shock," Hilton wrote.
Heartbroken beyond words 💔 Sitting with my family, watching the news, and seeing our home in Malibu burn to the ground on live TV is something no one should ever have to experience.😢 This home was where we built so many precious memories. It’s where Phoenix took his first steps… pic.twitter.com/aeJAgJrymA
— Paris Hilton (@ParisHilton) January 9, 2025
"Standing here and seeing it with my own eyes, it feels like my heart has shattered into a million pieces," she added.
Mel Gibson expresses hope amid the ruins
Despite the devastation, Mel Gibson expressed gratitude for what truly matters.
"The good news is my family and those I love are well and out of harm’s way," he said.
"That’s all I can care about, really," Gibson added.
