Mel Gibson — Deposed!

Mel Gibson is taking a lunch break, after getting grilled himself in a deposition … with Oksana Grigorieva as an active participant.

TMZ has learned … Mel somehow got in the Century City office building where the deposition is taking place without being noticed. It went for 3 hours this morning, before everyone took a lunch break.

Sources say Oksana has been writing notes and speaking with her lawyers about questions they’re firing at Mel.

It’s the first time Mel and Oksana have been face-to-face since their custody war erupted.

Source: TMZ

Oksana to Use Cameo Role Against Mel Gibson

A statement Mel Gibson made about his mental health in an independent movie will be used in his deposition today if Oksana Grigorieva’s lawyers have their way … sources tell TMZ.

The documentary, titled “Acting Class of 1977,” is about high-profile actors who graduated from Australia’s foremost acting school — the National Institute of Dramatic Art. It aired on Australian TV in 2008.

In the documentary, Mel purportedly says, “I had really good highs but some very low lows. I found out recently I’m manic depressive.”

We’ve learned Oksana’s lawyers will try to paint Mel as too unstable to care for Lucia, and want to grill him about the comment.

Source: TMZ

Oksana Grigorieva … Face-to-Face With Mel Gibson

TMZ has learned …Oksana Grigorieva will be front and center at Mel Gibson’s deposition Monday — the first time Oksana and Mel have been face-to-face since the custody war erupted.

Oksana’s lawyer, Daniel Horowitz, tells TMZ Oksana will be “an active participant” in the deposition and will even write out questions for Horowitz to ask.

Horowitz says Oksana will be very involved, taking notes and strategizing as the depo goes on.

The wild card — will Mel keep his temper in check?

Source: TMZ

What Oksana and Mel Are Really Fighting Over

The real fight between Oksana Grigorieva and Mel Gibson may not be about child custody at all … we’ve learned the various lawyers who have been repping Oksana have been focused on a legal document created long before Lucia was born.

TMZ was first to report the problem with the Icon Trust — created by Mel and Robyn to provide for their seven children. The trust defines “issue” (aka children) as kids born from Mel or Robyn. When it was drafted, no one thought Mel or Robyn would have a child outside the marriage. Enter Oksana.

Sources connected with Mel and Robyn say no one in their family wants to screw Lucia out of her inheritance, but if she becomes a beneficiary in Mel’s trust it would create some complicated tax issues.

So when Oksana and Mel broke up and struck a settlement deal during the mediation in May, the very first term reads, “Oksana consents to amendment of Icon Trust to exclude Lucia.”

In return for excluding Lucia, Mel agreed to provide a financial package for the baby worth more than $8 million.

Sounds like a sweet deal. So why did Oksana disavow the mediation she signed? We’re told the lawyers Oksana hooked up with after the mediation believed Lucia got royally screwed by giving up an interest in the trust. They told Oksana that Lucia would stand to get around $50 million under the trust agreement … which they believe represents 1/8 the value of a $400,000,000 trust.

Sources connected with Gibson tell us the money in the trust is not even in the universe of $400,000,000 … not remotely close.

But here’s the deal. If Oksana’s lawyers persist and Mel settles out of court, the attorney would get a percentage of the settlement. So they’ve convinced Oksana there’s something in it for her … and there’s something in it for them.

Source: TMZ

Mel to Oksana’s Dentist — I’ll See YOU Now!

Not many people actively seek out a dentist — but TMZ has learned Mel Gibson’s legal team is doing just that when it comes to the dentist Oksana Grigorieva visited the day after Mel and Oksana’s altercation.

As we first reported, a key witness in the case against Mel will be Oksana’s dentist, Dr. Ross Shelden. Dr. Shelden took photos of Oksana’s face the day after the alleged January 6 blowout, although the pics do no show injury or bruising. And as we reported, Dr. Shelden has flip-flopped on his medical evaluation — claiming, then disclaiming and then re-claiming Oksana was struck in the mouth.

Sources tell us Mel’s legal team submitted a request last week to depose Dr. Shelden.

After the deposition, Dr. Shelden should not expect a lollipop.

Source: TMZ

Sheriff Suggests Prosecuting Oksana is in the Works

The L.A. County Sheriff’s Department has filed legal docs obtained by TMZ … indicating Oksana Grigorieva may well be prosecuted for extortion.

The docs — opposing Oksana’s motion to limit the Sheriff’s access to material in her computer – state, “Evidence obtained from the Hard Drive would be used in a forthcoming criminal prosecution when Detective Wagner’s findings are presented to the District Attorney’s Office.”

In opposing Oksana’s motion, the Sheriff’s Department claims it needs to do a thorough search of Oksana’s computer because, “It is common for evidence to be found on a suspect’s computer and hidden or mis-labeled in a particular computer file.”

Arguments on the search warrant will be heard today at 1:30 PM PT, and we’ll be there.

Source: TMZ

Oksana to Sheriff: Lay Off My Stuff!

Oksana Grigorieva wants to block the L.A. County Sheriff from searching her computer in a much bigger way that we were first told … based on new documents obtained by TMZ.

Oksana’s lawyer, Daniel Horowitz, is vehemently objecting to the search warrant Judge Scott Gordon issued, allowing Sheriff’s investigators to search Oksana’s computer for evidence of extortion.

In the docs, Horowitz wants to limit the search to audio recordings of Mel Gibson, photos of Oksana’s facial injuries, emails and text messages between Oksana and Mel. Horowitz is objecting to various other communications between Oksana and her lawyers as well as others that Mel’s side believes constitutes extortion.

Horowitz rails on the extortion investigation, calling it “false.” The core of the allegation is that Oksana tried extorting Mel out of $15 million during their mediation in May, in return for keeping the explosive audiotapes secret.

Horowitz says the real value of Oksana’s deal was only between $1 and $2 million, and “It is not a process of extortion but simply discussion and mild negotiation.”

As for Oksana putting the squeeze on Mel for money, Horowitz says, “These are communications between Mel Gibson and Oksana Grigorieva that are rather normal, civilized and reflect discussions between adults who are genuinely attempting to provide for the financial welfare of their child.”

Horowitz says the Sheriff’s Department has no business looking at pics of Oksana breast feeding Lucia. Likewise, he doesn’t think investigators should be privy to Oksana’s musical works in progress.

And Horowitz claims Mel deceived Oksana back in December, when she signed an agreement basically agreeing to get nothing if they broke up. Horowitz says Mel strong-armed Oksana, telling her not to let “this shi**y agreement be a stumbling block.”

Horowitz, who says his client is a “Russian born, Ukraine raised person” was just following what her experienced lawyers said she should do and “could not be expected to know the technicalities of the law.”

Horowitz will appear in court tomorrow … facing off against the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department … asking the judge to dramatically limit the search of the computer in the extortion investigation.

Source: TMZ

Oksana’s New Lawyer — Lucky Number 40

Oksana Grigorieva showed up to court this morning for a hearing in her child support case with Mel Gibson — and wouldn’t you know it … she has a new lawyer!

The new man in Oksana’s life is Mitchell Jacobs — a family law attorney who has been a Board Certified Family Law Specialist since 1986.

We’re told Jacobs was brought in today as a specialist because today’s hearing involves a certain technicality and they reached out to Jacobs because he’s a family law specialist.

Sources say it is unclear whether Jacobs will remain on full-time.

As we first reported, Oksana has used 39 different lawyers so far in her child support case with Mel Gibson. The latest point of contention — whether the judge’s ruling that Mel has to amp up his child support payments to $20,000/month includes the housing payments Mel has been making.

As the old saying goes, 40th time is a charm.

Source: TMZ

Oksana’s Newest Lawyer Angry at Mel, TMZ

Oksana Grigorieva’s latest addition to her legal team is lashing out after our story yesterday — that Oksana has had at least 39 lawyers working for her in her legal war with Mel Gibson — claiming Mel has an armada of lawyers and others trying to stomp Oksana down.

Lisa Bloom claims “Mel has a fleet of highly aggressive law firms fighting her at every turn, including one which calls itself a ‘450+ lawyer business litigation firm — the largest in the United States devoted solely to business litigation.’”

Although the current war is over custody, support and alleged crimes and not business litigation, Bloom adds, “This is only one of at least four known major law firms behind the scenes, as well as publicists, marketers, and public relations agencies.” Bloom says, “Oksana is a single mother of two who’s gone into debt fighting for simple justice.”

TMZ broke the story … at least 18 of Oksana’s lawyers have submitted bills to the court totaling more than $1 million, and they’ve asked the judge to make Mel foot the bill.

Bloom says Oksana has had only “a handful” of different law firms in this case, adding, “Though occasionally other lawyers in their firms may have pitched in.” Bloom says, “It is totally false to say she’s had 39 lawyers.” We have listed all 39 lawyers — Bloom has not said which of the 39 she believes were not working on the case.

Source: TMZ

Mel to Oksana — Relax, You’ll Get Your Money

Mel Gibson ain’t gonna pay Oksana Grigorieva the $20,000/month in child support until the judge clarifies if OG’s housing is included in the payment — much to the dismay of Oksana’s layers, who were shot down in court on Friday … TMZ has learned.

Oksana’s 39th lawyer, Lisa Bloom, said Friday that Mel Gibson was a deadbeat dad, insinuating he was behind on child support. But sources connected with the case tell us … the new child support order signed by Judge Scott Gordon is unclear as to whether it includes Oksana’s housing payments — payments Mel has been making from the get-go.

Mel has been paying Oksana $5,000/month in child support in addition to all of Oksana’s housing expenses. But now that the judge has upped the monthly child support to $20k, we’re told Mel’s team wants clarification — is it 20$k including or plus housing expenses?

Until the judge clairifes his order … Mel will continue paying $5,000/month.

Oksana’s lawyers tried to force Mel to pay the $20K immediately, but we’re told the judge said he would take the matter up in November … as previously scheduled.

Source: TMZ

Oksana Names Key Witness in Domestic Violence Case

Oksana Grigorieva told Sheriff’s deputies there was another person present the night Mel Gibson allegedly assaulted her — and if true — he could be the key witness in a possible domestic violence case.

Sources close to Oksana tell TMZ she told cops a man named Tony was in the house the night of the alleged assault. She claims Tony is a security guard and driver for Mel.

But here’s the rub. We can’t find anyone named Tony who worked for Mel at the time.

Nonetheless … Oksana told investigators she’s positive Tony was at Mel’s Malibu home that night and she believes he saw at least part of the altercation — though she’s unsure how much he actually witnessed.

Obviously, any witness to the alleged incident would be huge if domestic violence charges are filed against Mel … but as of now that’s a big “if.”

Source: TMZ

Oksana Grigorieva In Court

Oksana Grigorieva is in court again in her ongoing custody war with Mel Gibson.

On her way into court, we asked her about her bodyguard/key man Kristian Otto Herzog — a convicted felon, who impersonated a police officer (with firearms). Oksana was mum.

As we first reported, Mel is deeply concerned that Herzog is around baby Lucia.

Oksana has refused to keep Herzog away from the baby

Source: TMZ

Oksana: Why My Kid Needs $20k A Month

So you’re wondering, how will Oksana Grigorieva spend $20,000 a month of Mel Gibson’s money on an 11-month-old baby?

Sources connected with Oksana tell TMZ … she has five reasons for needing 20k every 30 days:

– Lucia is Mel’s daughter, so she needs round-the-clock security
– Oksana is in debt for more than $100,000 — for legal fees, PR costs, etc — and she needs to dig out of the hole
– Oksana says Mel promised to take care of her and his daughter
– They got accustomed to the Mel Gibson lifestyle
– The baby costs a lot, with medical costs, food, clothing, gas for the car (?), etc.

Source: TMZ

Oksana & Mel — The Writing’s On the Wall

How’s this for love, Hollywood style — the “Cohabitation Agreement” Oksana Grigorieva and Mel Gibson signed requires each of them to give the other written notice in the event they break up … or get back together.

According to the “Cohabitation Agreement” the pair signed back in December 2009, “The parties shall be deemed separated when either gives written notice to the other advising that he or she has elected to separate.”

The same also holds true if they get back together: “After the parties separate, the parties may reconcile and resume their previous relationship if both parties give notice in writing of their intent to reconcile and resume their previous relationship.”

Nothing says I love you … like a notarized letter from your attorney.

Source: TMZ

Oksana: Mel Threatened ‘Brains All Over the Wall’

Oksana Grigorieva has told D.A. investigators … Mel Gibson was so enraged the day he allegedly attacked her that he threatened that “There will be brains all over the wall” … TMZ has learned.

Oksana went to the L.A. County District Attorney’s Office Wednesday and told investigators the day of the nuclear argument, after allegedly striking her, Mel pulled out a gun, waived it around and threatened to kill her, the baby and himself, screaming, “There will be brains all over the wall.”

Oksana says she fled the house with Lucia and her son Sasha.

As we previously reported — Mel’s domestic violence case is currently with the L.A. County District Attorney’s Office for review.

It should be noted, claims that Mel threatened to kill himself, Oksana and the baby never came up during the mediation in May.

Source: TMZ

Extortion Probe Could Derail Case Against Mel

Oksana Grigorieva could be checkmated into silence …. silence that could make it impossible to prosecute Mel Gibson for domestic violence – sources tell TMZ.

As we first reported … the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department is conducting what we’re told is a “serious” extortion investigation. Our law enforcement sources tell us investigators have “numerous” emails, texts, documents and witness statements that could lead to criminal charges.

If the D.A. files extortion charges against Oksana … sources familiar with the case tell us it virtually forces her to take the Fifth — in other words, she’d refuse to testify against Mel Gibson because what she says could incriminate her.

Although the D.A. often prosecutes domestic violence cases with uncooperative alleged victims … sources involved in this investigation tell us Oksana’s testimony is critical, particularly because the physical evidence is shaky. For starters, we’ve already told you about her dentist changing his story, not reporting the alleged violence to authorities and failing to get pictures that show injury.

We’re told the D.A. considers the two investigations “connected.” If the D.A. files extortion charges, our sources say there’s a good chance it could flat-out torpedo a domestic violence prosecution.

And … if the D.A. decided not to file an extortion case against Oksana to preserve a domestic violence case against Mel, his lawyers would have a field day in court.

The plot thickens.

Source: TMZ

Mel Allegedly Begged Oksana for Forgiveness

Mel Gibson dropped to his knees the morning after the nuclear January 6 meltdown and begged Oksana Grigorieva for forgiveness … this according to sources connected with the case.

We’ve learned Oksana Grigorieva gave L.A. County Sheriff’s investigators an email — obtained by TMZ — in which Mel said to Oksana he wanted to “come by to make amends to you, Sacha and Lucia.” Mel added, “I spent 2 hours with a therapist today & have regained some perspective. What I’m telling you now is I am safe.”

Oksana responds by saying, “I have two broken front teeth and a concussion. I cannot c u today, I’m hurting.”

Mel then responds, “Did you get them fixed yet? When can I see you. I need to see you this evening & then I promise I’ll leave you alone for as long as you want if only for 10 minutes Please.”

We’ve learned Oksana has told Sheriff’s investigators Mel showed up at the house unannounced later that day, came inside, began to cry and begged for forgiveness. Oksana told investigators Mel crawled toward her but she walked away and Mel eventually left.

It’s important to note — we’re told there are hundreds of emails that went back and forth between Mel and Oksana, and the true story of what happened is only revealed by presenting all of them at once — which will come in due time.

Source: TMZ

Mel to Oksana: Don’t Blame Me For Your Music Career

Oksana Grigorieva may be a frustrated singer who can’t sell her tunes, but it’s not Mel Gibson’s fault.

Sources tell TMZ … Mel Gibson relinquished all rights to Oksana’s music in the third week of August.

TMZ broke the story … as the Executive Producer of Oksana’s music, Mel had a legal stranglehold on her right to release CDs and promote her music. But sources say Mel never tried to block her after their breakup. To the contrary, Mel signed legal docs in August giving up all of his rights to Oksana’s work.

And there’s more … Our sources say Mel had “boxes and boxes” of unsold Oksana CDs that he shipped to her home.

This information contradicts the mission statement of Oksana’s new lawyers — to dislodge Oksana’s music from Mel’s grip.

So look for Oksana’s CD … coming soon to a Russian flea market near you.

Source: TMZ

Oksana’s Ex-Lawyer to Chat with Sheriff Investigators

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ Oksana Grigorieva’s former attorney is set to talk with Sheriff’s investigators about Mel Gibson’s extortion claims against her.

According to our sources, an L.A. County Sheriff’s investigator contacted Eric George on Wednesday. George repped Grigorieva during the mediation where she agreed to (and later reneged on) a $15 million package from Gibson.

As we first reported, Oksana sent Mel text messages during that mediation which some think could be construed as extortion. In one of the texts Oksana accuses Mel of not keeping up his part of the deal to support her. As her attorney at the time George was privy to the texts as well as other information.

Our law enforcement sources say George said he would be “delighted” to meet with investigators.

Source: TMZ

Oksana Switches Lawyers

TMZ has learned Oksana Grigorieva has officially switched lawyers in her custody war with Mel Gibson.

We’ve learned Oksana signed a retainer agreement this afternoon, officially hiring Sorrell Trope to replace her existing family law attorneys.

Trope’s firm has represented all sorts of A-list celebrities — including Anna Nicole Smith and Britney Spears.

So far, Oksana has not been able to squeeze an extra penny out of Mel in family court — she’s still getting $5,000 per month in child support plus housing expenses.

Source: TMZ

Oksana Meets with Top Family Law Attorney

Oksana Grigorieva has just the left the offices of one of the most prominent family law attorneys in Los Angeles — after meeting with him for more than two hours in her ongoing custody war with Mel Gibson.

We’ve learned Oksana has just met with Sorrell Trope — considered one of the toughest family law attorney in the divorce bid. In the past, Trope’s firm has represented the likes of Brooke Mueller, Victoria Hopper, Anna Nicole Smith and Britney Spears.

So far, Oksana has not been able to squeeze more money out of Mel Gibson since she signed the settlement agreement with him back in May — a settlement she is now trying to disavow.

Oksana is currently getting $5,000/month in child support for baby Lucia. TMZ broke the story … her current lawyers are asking the judge to up that to more than $40,000/month, but the judge hasn’t ruled.

Source: TMZ

Oksana to Judge: Make Mel Pay For My P.R.

Oksana Grigorieva spent tens of thousands of dollars in PR to thwart public perception that she sold the secret tapes — and now she wants Mel Gibson to foot the bill … this according to sources.

We’re told Oksana racked up $84,000 in PR expenses and certain unpaid legal fees.  As for the PR fees, our sources say Oksana felt hiring PR reps was the only way counter someone as big and powerful as Mel Gibson.  Oksana — who insists she didn’t sell the tapes — felt she was getting trashed in the media.

Sources say Oksana wants Judge Scott Gordon in the custody/child support case to clear the $84,000 debt.

Here’s the disconnect.  The judge would never award money for PR expenses. Aside from legal fees, Judge Gordon would adjust the existing agreement — $5,000 a month plus the house — only based on the needs of baby Lucia.

As we first reported … Oksana’s lawyers have gone to court and asked Judge Gordon to up the monthly child support obligation to upwards of $40,000.

We’re told the judge has yet to rule on the request.

Source: TMZ

Oksana to Mel: Our Baby Needs More $$$$$

Oksana Grigorieva is asking the judge to make  Mel Gibson buck up — WAAY up — by increasing her monthly child support from $5,000 a month to more than $40,000 … sources tell TMZ.

As we’ve reported, Mel currently pays Oksana the tidy sum of $5,000 a month in child support for baby Lucia, and also pays for the Sherman Oaks house where they live.  But we’re told Oksana  now wants nearly 10 times what she currently gets.

Here’s what’s interesting.  Our sources say Oksana gets $2,500 a month in child support from Timothy Dalton — the father of her 13-year-old son Alexander.

It’s a tough sell convincing Judge Scott Gordon that a 9 month old baby needs nearly 20 times more money than a 13 year old boy.

One source scoffed, “Lifestyle is not an issue for a 9-month-old. Think she knows the difference between a Ford and a Bentley?”

We’re told Judge Gordon has not ruled on Oksana’s petition for more dough.  Holding breath — not advisable.

Source: TMZ

Oksana: Mel’s Lawyers Went Nuclear Over Chernobyl

Oksana Grigorieva is pissed that Mel Gibson’s lawyers insinuated she pocketed money during a trip she took to Moscow to help victims of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster.

As TMZ first reported … Oksana was grilled during her deposition last week about her finances.  We’re told Mel’s lawyers spent time asking her about the trip she took in April, where she performed at a charity concert to help Chernobyl victims.

Our sources say Oksana felt “harassed” by the line of questioning and felt Mel’s lawyers were “nasty.”

We’re told Oksana insisted she didn’t make a penny off the two concerts — sponsored by the Chernobyl’s Children’s Project International and the Grant A Life Foundation — which raised money for 50 kids in need of heart surgery.

Source: TMZ

Oksana’s Sound Dude — Witness to Abuse?

Oksana Grigorieva’s audio engineer allegedly witnessed Mel Gibson verbally lashing out at her for months — and, we’re told, he’s already provided a legal declaration stating so.

The engineer, whose first name is Jimmy, has told multiple sources (both professional and personal) close to Oksana the same story — that he believes he is the “star witness” because he was with Oksana and Mel everyday over a 10 month period.

According to the sources, Jimmy claims he frequently heard Gibson blast Oksana verbally — using words like whore, slut, bitch, and c**t — and that the rants were always fueled by jealousy when other men were around Oksana.

Jimmy does not say he ever saw Gibson physically abuse Oksana … we’re told. Also hugely important — Jimmy says he was not present for the January 6 meltdown when Gibson allegedly struck Oksana.

We’re told Jimmy gave Oksana’s lawyers a written declaration that includes his “eyewitness account” of several alleged fights between Oksana and Mel. L.A. County Sheriff’s investigators have not spoken to Jimmy yet.

Gibson’s publicist could not be reached for comment.

Source: TMZ