As the flames continue to ravage vast areas of Los Angeles, causing widespread destruction in upscale neighborhoods and celebrity homes, Oscar-winning actor Mel Gibson has sparked controversy with his recent statements.
Gibson, 69, whose luxurious $14.5 million Malibu home has been reduced to rubble, hinted during a television interview on Saturday that there might be "hidden causes" behind the outbreak of the fires.
He said: "There are many disturbing theories that could come to mind. Clearly, the lack of water and strong winds played a major role in the spread of the flames, but the more important question is, was it just a coincidence?"
The star of "Braveheart" added, "It's hard to believe these fires happened randomly, but it seems there are targets behind this destruction. Were the arsonists acting alone, or were they being guided? And what do they want to achieve with this devastation?"
Gibson continued, questioning: "What do these people want... do they want to empty the state? I don't know."
Gibson, who returned from Texas to find his home completely consumed by fire, described the situation as tragic, saying: "I lost everything. The house was not just a place to live; it contained precious memories, family photos, personal files, and even my simplest possessions."
In related news, the Los Angeles Coroner's Office reported that the death toll from the recent fires has risen to 16 people.
Firefighters have also announced that more than 5,300 homes in the "Palisades" neighborhood have been destroyed since the fires broke out last Tuesday, and it's believed that the fires have caused damage to more than 7,000 other buildings.
Authorities are currently working to control the situation, amidst fears of further losses, while investigations into the true causes of this devastating disaster continue.
