Mel Gibson Reacts to Trump Designating Him as a ‘Special Ambassador’ to Hollywood
Mel Gibson expressed his “surprise” upon learning that President-elect Donald Trump appointed him as a “special ambassador” to Hollywood.
The star of “Braveheart” shared his thoughts with entertainment outlet Variety on Thursday, indicating his willingness to support Trump in this role.
“I received the tweet just like everyone else and was just as taken aback. However, I’m ready to answer the call. As a citizen, I feel it’s my duty to assist and provide any insights I can,” Gibson remarked in a statement to YSL News on Friday.
“Is there any chance this position comes with an Ambassador’s residence?” Gibson quipped lightheartedly.
Trump announced Gibson’s designation as a “special ambassador” to Hollywood via the conservative platform Truth Social, alongside other well-known conservative actors Jon Voight and Sylvester Stallone.
“It is my pleasure to introduce Jon Voight, Mel Gibson, and Sylvester Stallone as Special Ambassadors to a wonderful but very troubled place, Hollywood, California,” Trump wrote on Thursday. “They will act as Special Envoys to me to help bring Hollywood, which has lost significant business over the past four years to foreign countries, BACK—BIGGER, BETTER, AND STRONGER THAN EVER!”
He added: “These three incredibly talented individuals will serve as my eyes and ears, and I will take action based on their suggestions. It will once again be, like The United States of America, The Golden Age of Hollywood!”
YSL News also reached out to representatives for Voight and Stallone for their comments.
Jon Voight Responds to Trump’s Appointment: ‘We Are Fortunate’
Voight shared his thoughts on the appointment in a statement to YSL News on Friday.
“I’m experienced enough to have witnessed parts of the Golden Age of Hollywood, and I’ve seen it decline over time. Right now, things are not looking great,” said the “Midnight Cowboy” actor. “Very few movies are produced here nowadays, but we’re lucky to have a future President who aims to restore Hollywood to its former greatness, and with his assistance, I believe we can achieve this.”
He added: “We have endured some challenging times, but our spirits remain strong. We will support each other and rebuild. Sending love to everyone across the nation who has stood by us.”
Recently, the U.S. film and television industries have encountered significant challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, ongoing strikes, and economic difficulties. It’s still unclear what duties the actors will have in this new role or the extent of their authority.
In a video shared by TMZ in October, Gibson suggested he voted for Trump in the 2024 election, noting that it was a “fairly good guess” when asked if he supported the GOP candidate.
“I can imagine what happens if we allow her in and that’s not good,” Gibson said, referring to Trump’s opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris.
Contributing: Savannah Kuchar