Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures
One of the strangest rumors to emerge this week were the widespread claims that Mel Gibson was in the process of directing a four-part documentary series set to expose a $34 billion worldwide trafficking operation, despite nothing even approaching concrete evidence being presented.
The source of the speculation was questionable to say the least, but the internet ran with it anyway, all while the world waited for official comment. Needless to say, the actor and filmmaker’s team have now responded to the scuttlebutt, and they’ve delivered exactly the response most people were expecting.
While Gibson’s team declined to comment when The Wrap inquired on the matter, the two-time Academy Award winner’s publicist Alan Nierob did let the Associated Press know that “he is not making any documentary.” Furthermore, Operation Underground Railroad founder Tim Ballard also offered his own two cents, where he echoed the sentiment.
“Mel deserves all the credit for taking the initiative to further the critical work that we do. I am personally grateful for his support as we worked on this documentary, however reports this four-part series is actually being produced by Mr. Gibson are not accurate. It’s being produced by Nick Nanton of DNA Films and includes several executive producers such as Kyle Cease, Tony and Sage Robbins and other wonderful and talented people.”
In short; Gibson has been involved with the organization in the past, but he’s not taking on any creative or behind-the-camera duties on this project. It does exist, though, just not with his involvement.
About the author
Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures
One of the strangest rumors to emerge this week were the widespread claims that Mel Gibson was in the process of directing a four-part documentary series set to expose a $34 billion worldwide trafficking operation, despite nothing even approaching concrete evidence being presented.
The source of the speculation was questionable to say the least, but the internet ran with it anyway, all while the world waited for official comment. Needless to say, the actor and filmmaker’s team have now responded to the scuttlebutt, and they’ve delivered exactly the response most people were expecting.
While Gibson’s team declined to comment when The Wrap inquired on the matter, the two-time Academy Award winner’s publicist Alan Nierob did let the Associated Press know that “he is not making any documentary.” Furthermore, Operation Underground Railroad founder Tim Ballard also offered his own two cents, where he echoed the sentiment.
“Mel deserves all the credit for taking the initiative to further the critical work that we do. I am personally grateful for his support as we worked on this documentary, however reports this four-part series is actually being produced by Mr. Gibson are not accurate. It’s being produced by Nick Nanton of DNA Films and includes several executive producers such as Kyle Cease, Tony and Sage Robbins and other wonderful and talented people.”
In short; Gibson has been involved with the organization in the past, but he’s not taking on any creative or behind-the-camera duties on this project. It does exist, though, just not with his involvement.