This is the moment Mel Gibson saluted Donald Trump in the crowds at Saturday’s UFC clash between Dustin Poirier and Conor McGregor.
The Hollywood actor and director, 65, acknowledged the former US president as he walked by surrounded by his bodyguards at UFC 264 in Las Vegas.
The video has sparked a huge response online with some describing Gibson as a ‘true patriot’.
But the gesture sparked meltdown among ‘woke liberals’ who said they were ‘not surprised’ the actor, known for starring roles in Lethal Weapon and Braveheart, appeared to be supporting the Republican.
Trump was met with a mix of applause and some boos as he entered the T-Mobile Arena and chants of ‘USA’ rang out around the arena.
This is the moment Mel Gibson saluted Donald Trump in the crowds at Saturday’s UFC clash between Dustin Poirier and Conor McGregor
Former US president Donald Trump (pictured) attended the UFC 264 at T-Mobile Arena on Saturday night
Gibson, who doesn’t speak publicly about his political views, appeared to be a few feet away from Trump when he gave the salute.
Fans of the actor called him a patriot, with one Twitter user saying: ‘A true Patriot! Not afraid like the other Hollwood spineless!’ while another added: ‘Mel Gibson, always the Patriot’.
A third said: ‘Mel Gibson is a Patriot who literally played The Patriot. Wokesters hate him because the only thing they salute is their tall latte they stapled a dress on and put their d*** in.’
In the past, Gibson has said that he doesn’t talk about his political views, because he doesn’t want to ruin the ‘sense of anonymity’ that comes from keeping them private, Film News reported .
The actor made a conscious decision not to talk about his beliefs because he is ‘not an expert’ and said it allows you to ‘be anything’ in your performance because of the ‘sense of anonymity’, adding that ‘you’re not already carrying a lot of baggage’.
The actor has previously faced a barrage of criticism after a series of antisemitic comments throughout his career.
He was criticised after the release of his movie The Passion Of The Christ in 2004, which was controversial for its gory violence and alleged antisemitism.
In 2010, Winona Ryder alleged that Gibson referred to her as an ‘oven dodger’, in reference to her Jewish background. Gibon’s representative said the allegations were ‘100% untrue’.
One Twitter user was not shocked by the salute video. They said: ‘The Mel Gibson news is the least shocking thing ever, but also… who cares? One loser saluting another. Big whoop.’
Meanwhile, another commented: ‘I think Mel Gibson saluting Trump is going to make me fall over and die from being NOT SURPRISED.’
A third wrote: ‘Mel Gibson is a Trump supporter? Next thing you’re going to tell me is that water is wet.’
Reacting to the video, one Twitter user said: ‘Why are people surprised Mel Gibson is a Trump supporter. They are literally cut from the same cloth. They both as a person are awful. Both do great work in their respectful fields.’
Gibson became a controversial character after a series of antisemitic comments throughout his career. He was criticised after the release of his movie The Passion Of The Christ in 2004, which was controversial for its gory violence and alleged antisemitism
Another wrote: ‘Mel Gibson “cancelled”? The guy is a cockroach, has spewed the worst kind of anti Semitic hate speech and racist bullshit it just doesn’t stick. But apparently this is the breaking point for some people? Like now? Saluting some dude is like number 5000 on reasons to hate him.’
A third commented: ‘How many times does Mel Gibson have to be outed as a piece of s*** before people acknowledge that he’s a piece of s***? He was on tape using the n-word, threatening a woman, & spewing antisemitism, & he still has a career?’
Someone else added: ‘Mel Gibson is a Holocaust denying lunatic who made a couple decent movies, and also made one of the most antisemitic films to ever be released in America. Of course he’s a Trump supporter, didn’t we already know this?’
Gibson was seen on separate videos during the fight on Saturday and was heard saying: ‘Hey, I want to see the rematch, you know best out of three. I don’t care who wins. I just want to see a good match, and I’m sure it will be.’
The main event ended quickly and in dramatic fashion, when McGregor horrifically broke his ankle at the end of round one, leaving him screaming in agony and unable to get up.
It occurred at Saturday’s UFC clash between Dustin Poirier and Conor McGregor (pictured), who broke his leg in the first round after his left leg buckled from beneath him