BRAVEHEART star Mel Gibson was heckled by fans shouting “freedom” as he spoke about Scottish independence at a plush meet and greet event.
The Hollywood star hasn’t been to Scotland since the Braveheart film premiere held at Stirling Castle in 1995.
During an event at the Glasgow Double Tree Hilton Hotel on Sunday, Gibson was asked about Scottish independence during an “Experience With” dinner where fans shelled out between £100 and £1000 for the event.
READ MORE: Scottish Government allocates £20 million for independence referendum in 2023
Those who wanted a photograph with Gibson paid out an extra £300.
Speaking at the event, The Scottish Sun reports that 66-year-old Gibson told the crowd: “I have no right to comment because I’m not even a Scot. I got adopted by some people.
“I think the most interesting aspect of that whole thing is that a piece of art can change things in a profound and meaningful way.
“That’s a stunning thing. I wasn’t trying with Braveheart, it just happened.”
His answers were reportedly interrupted by audience members shouting “Freedom” and “Wallace, Wallace”, the newspaper adds.
The trip is the first to Scotland in 27 years, and kicked off his trip dining in Glasgow’s popular Mister Singh’s Indian restaurant.
After arriving by private jet on Friday last week, Gibson was given a private booth at the restaurant ahead of the meet and greet event.
Gibson was reportedly a big fan of the Indian restaurant during his time filling the William Wallace epic and was a regular customer.
He was spotted again on Saturday night at Tiffney’s Steakhouse in Otago Street in the West End of Glasgow.
READ MORE: Scotland bans 'problematic' single-use plastics in UK first
In a post on Facebook, the restaurant revealed: "Tonight we welcomed Mel Gibson but he didn’t want us to take his picture!
"We can confirm however, he thoroughly enjoyed his steak!"
The meet and greet event was described as "a true once in a lifetime opportunity to get up close to one of the most significant names in Hollywood, and listen to his story live and unscripted for the first time anywhere in the world".
Our sister paper the Glasgow Times has also reported that a Glasgow make-up artist was booked by Gibson in an opportunity of a lifetime, just a day after her 19th birthday.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel