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.

Key Points Debunking the Claim:

No Verified News Reports: Major media outlets such as The Hollywood Reporter, Variety, or Deadline have not reported on this supposed $100 million Netflix deal.
No Official Statements: Neither Mel Gibson nor Robert De Niro have made public comments regarding such an offer or dispute.
Origins in Satire: The story originated from a satirical website, which explicitly labels its content as fictional.

Why People Believed the Story



The claim’s believability was likely fueled by a few key factors:

Past Controversies: Both Mel Gibson and Robert De Niro have been vocal about their political views, leading some to assume such a conflict could be real.

The ‘Woke’ Debate: Hollywood’s ideological divide is a hot topic, making such stories easily accepted by those who see tension between traditional and progressive actors.

The Power of Clickbait: Sensational headlines draw engagement, and many social media users share content without verifying its authenticity.

The Dangers of Misinformation

This incident highlights how misinformation, especially satire taken out of context, can spread rapidly and shape public perception.

In today’s digital age, where news consumption often happens through headlines and social media snippets, verifying sources before believing or sharing content is crucial.

The claim that Mel Gibson rejected a $100 million Netflix deal due to Robert De Niro is false. The story originated from a satirical website but was widely misinterpreted as fact.



This case serves as a reminder of the importance of media literacy and critical thinking when encountering viral stories online.

Before accepting sensational claims as truth, always check the source, look for corroborating reports from reputable media, and be wary of content that seems designed to provoke outrage.

Misinformation spreads quickly, but with careful scrutiny, we can avoid falling for fabricated narratives.