Mel Gibson Turns Down $100 Million Offer From Netflix To Work With Robert De Niro, Saying: “Keep That Woke Clown Away From Me.
A shocking claim recently surfaced online, alleging that Mel Gibson rejected a $100 million offer from Netflix because he refused to work with Robert De Niro, purportedly saying, “Keep that woke clown away from me.”
The story quickly went viral, sparking debates about Hollywood politics and ideological divisions. However, upon closer investigation, the claim appears to be more fiction than fact.
This article delves into the origins of the claim, its spread across social media, and the reality behind the sensational headline.
Where Did the Claim Originate?
The rumor appears to have first gained traction through an article published by the website Esspots.com, a site known for satirical and fictional content.
The article, titled “Mel Gibson Rejects $100M Netflix Deal, Refuses to Work with ‘Woke Creep’ Robert De Niro,” was published on December 19, 2024.
The piece, labeled under the satire category, portrayed Gibson as a staunch opponent of Hollywood’s evolving ideological landscape and attributed a controversial quote to him regarding De Niro. Despite the article’s satirical intent, many readers took it at face value, fueling the story’s spread across social media platforms.
The Role of Social Media in Spreading the Story
Social media played a significant role in amplifying the false narrative. Posts on Facebook, Twitter (now X), and other platforms repeated the claim, often without the satirical disclaimer.
For example, a Facebook post from January 2025 falsely stated: “BREAKING: Mel Gibson Turns Down $100 Million Offer From Netflix To Work With Robert De Niro, Saying: ‘Keep That Woke Clown Away From Me.’”
The post garnered thousands of shares and comments, with many users expressing support for or outrage at Gibson. Similarly, posts on other social media platforms, including Threads.net and Instagram, further fueled the spread of misinformation. These posts often omitted the original source of the claim, leading many to believe it was a legitimate news report.
Fact-Checking the Claim
After thorough research, no credible sources, including Netflix, Mel Gibson, or Robert De Niro, have confirmed any such offer or rejection. The claim is entirely unfounded and appears to be a work of satire that spiraled into a widely believed falsehood.
