Oksana Grigorieva: B.S. The Tapes Were Edited!

Oksana Grigorieva has fired back at Mel Gibson, for claiming the infamous tapes were edited, claiming, “Mr. Gibson is attempting to stir up controversy about himself in order to promote his failing beaver movie.”

Oksana’s rep for her legal team, Steve Jaffe, tells TMZ, “We have heard Mel Gibson’s irresponsible accusations that his vicious racist rants were in fact edited. They were not.”

Jaffe says the tapes were authenticated by an expert, adding, “We thought we had reached an agreement with Mr. Gibson not to attack each other in the press. We were clearly wrong.”

And, Jaffe says, “This is a tactic that he has used in the past with another movie and we find it both reprehensible and sad.”

News Source: TMZ

Robert Downey Jr. & Mel Gibson: Double-Double Date

Robert Downey Jr. and Mel Gibson got together for a friendly celebrity power lunch yesterday, but it didn’t go down at one of those super-expensive Hollywood joints — they got burgers at In-N-Out … TMZ has learned.

The old friends found themselves out in Irvine, CA when the hunger pangs hit — so they went to every West Coasters favorite fast food spot.

According to a witness, they each ordered a Double-Double combo meal and dined with a third person, non-celebrity. They were joined by a security guard, who did the ordering for them.

BTW — We know the pic is blurry, but we’ve confirmed with our Mel sources … it’s definitely them.

No word on why the two were in Irvine together, but we’re told it definitely wasn’t for a movie.

News Source: TMZ

Mel Gibson — Kid Tested, Father Approved

Mel Gibson is set to begin his court ordered community service at a kid’s charity in L.A. soon — and he’s already getting support from some of the parents … TMZ has learned.

In fact, one set of parents associated with Mending Kids International tells us they’re more than happy to help give the actor a “brand new start” because Mel has helped fund a life-changing series of operations for their foster son over the past couple of years.

James Nicol tells us his Ethiopian-born son Berhanu was only able to undergo an expensive series of medical procedures to help fix severe spinal issues … thanks, in part, to Mel’s generosity.

Nicol says his family is still active with the organization … and they’re excited for any assistance Mel can provide … despite the fact his community service is the result of a plea deal in a domestic violence case.

James says he completely trusts the actor around his child … saying, “If Mel was coming over to our house to play ball with my son, I would not be the least bit concerned.”

News Source: TMZ

Mel Gibson — He’s a Granddaddy Again!

Mel Gibson had a busy last few days — not only pleading no contest to misdemeanor battery, but becoming a grandfather for the third time … TMZ has learned.

Sources close to Gibson tell TMZ his daughter Hannah gave birth Saturday night to a baby boy. It’s Mel’s third grandchild — two boys and one girl — all from Hannah and her hubby, blues singer Kenny Wayne Shepherd.

We’re told Mel hit up his church in Malibu yesterday — but ducked out early to spend time with the new baby, who has yet to be named.

News Source: TMZ

Oksana Will Sue Mel

Oksana Grigorieva will file a civil lawsuit against Mel Gibson … this according to Oksana’s lawyer.

TMZ reported on September 16, 2010 — just after Oksana hired Daniel Horowitz — Oksana would file a lawsuit alleging battery, emotional distress and defamation.

We spoke with Daniel Horowitz and asked if Mel’s no contest plea in any way changes her plan to sue. Horowitz said, “Our position hasn’t changed.”

Mel’s plea bargain won’t help Oksana in a civil lawsuit, because Mel did not admit to guilt.

News Source: TMZ

Mel Gibson Charged with Crime, Oksana Not Charged

The L.A. County District Attorney has just filed a misdemeanor battery charge against Mel Gibson … while announcing Oksana Grigorieva will not be charged with extortion.

The misdemeanor specifically targets someone who either cohabits or has a child with the alleged victim.

TMZ broke the story, Mel will plead no contest today to the charge and will not receive jail time … but will undergo continued counseling.

The no contest plea is not an admission of guilt.

As for Oksana, her rep tells TMZ, “Ms. Grigorieva will now concentrate on co-parenting Lucia, resuming her charitable work for the children of Chernobyl and moving forward with her life.”

Mel must appear in court today for the arraignment and the plea, which will take place at 1:30 PM PT … which TMZ will livestream.

News Source: TMZ

Mel Gibson will not go to jail over his January 2010 altercation with Oksana Grigorieva

The 55-year-old actor has struck a deal and will plead no contest to simple battery in a Los Angeles court on Friday (12.03.11), a lesser charge than corporal injury on a spouse, which he was originally facing.

The case relates to an incident between Mel and his former lover, Russian singer Oksana – with whom he has a 17-month old daughter, Lucia – on January 6 2010. Mel had previously said in a written declaration he slapped her during an argument because she was hysterical, but denies hitting her.

The ‘Braveheart’ actor’s sentence will see him undergo counselling and possibly probation. While Mel – who has seven other children with his ex-wife Robyn – felt he was in a strong position to win the case, his lawyer, Blair Berk, said he accepted the plea deal to escape the pressure of a long court fight. Blair said in a statement: “I know from almost 20 years as a criminal defense lawyer that sometimes justice can come for a client at too high a personal price.

“That is particularly so for Mel, whose right to due process can only be exercised in this case with an enormous media circus attached. “Mel’s priority through all of this has been that the best interests of his young daughter Lucia and the rest of his children be put first in any decisions made. It is with only that in mind that he asked me to approach the District Attorney with a proposal that would bring all of this to an immediate end.”

Mel and Oksana, 41, are still involved in a bitter custody battle over Lucia, and the actor currently also has a pending extortion case against his ex-girlfriend, alleging she asked for $15 million to keep audio tapes of him ranting and seemingly making threats under wraps

Source: BANG Showbiz

Mel Gibson — Guatemala-Bound

Mel Gibson is leaving for Guatemala tomorrow on a long-planned charity trip, and it looks like he’ll be out of the country when the D.A. charges him with misdemeanor domestic violence.

Sources tell TMZ … the purpose of the trip is associated with the campaign to save the rain forest in the country. Mel made the commitment to go several months ago.

As we have already reported, the D.A. will charge Mel with domestic violence, and a spokesperson for the office says the decision will likely come this week — while District Attorney Steve Cooley is on vacation.

So it looks like Mel will not be in the U.S. when he’s charged.

News Source: TMZ

D.A. Gets Financial Help From Oksana’s Lawyer

L.A. County District Attorney Steve Cooley — whose office will soon decide the fate of Oksana Grigorieva and Mel Gibson — attended 2 fundraisers on his own behalf at the home of the lawyer who negotiated Oksana’s $15 million settlement … which is the core of the extortion investigation.

TMZ has learned Eric George, a prominent Beverly Hills civil lawyer, hosted both campaign fundraisers last year, while the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department was conducting its investigation.

And documents reveal … George contributed more than $8,000 to Cooley in 2010 … of that, George contributed $1,992 in August … while the Sheriff’s investigation of Oksana was going full bore … we do know, however, George has had a long-standing friendship with Cooley and has made contributions to him in the past.

As TMZ first reported, George negotiated a $15 million package for Oksana during her mediation in May, 2010. Law enforcement sources tell us … Sheriff’s investigators believe there’s “strong evidence ” that Oksana extorted Mel by threatening to release the explosive tapes unless she got the money.

TMZ broke the story that the D.A.’s office disagrees with Sheriff’s investigators and has all but decided not to prosecute Oksana, but we’re told Mel Gibson will be charged with misdemeanor domestic violence.

And we’ve learned … Cooley has been involved — holding a meeting in his office in December to review the case, though a D.A. spokesperson says no decisions were made during that meeting.

There is grousing among some people in law enforcement — especially in the Sheriff’s Department — that Cooley should have completely removed himself from the decision-making process given the fundraisers and contributions from George.

George had no comment to TMZ, but a Sheriff’s spokesperson has told us the only person under investigation in the extortion matter is Oksana.

Although sources tell us the die has already been cast, a D.A. spokesperson tells TMZ … prosecutors will make a filing decision “very soon” and Cooley likely will not participate — because he’s about to go on a long-standing, out-of-town vacation for a week and a half.

The spokesperson would not say whether Cooley would make the filing decision if he’s back in town when his deputies make their recommendation.

News Source: TMZ

D.A. On Verge Of Charging Mel Gibson

Sources connected with the Mel Gibson criminal investigation tell TMZ … Gibson is about to be charged with domestic violence, but Oksana Grigorieva will not be charged with extortion.

Multiple sources say the dye is not officially cast, but the powers that be think there’s enough evidence to prosecute Mel, however not enough to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Oksana extorted him — notwithstanding that she demanded $15 million from him in return for keeping the tapes secret.

All of our sources say … the turning point for prosecutors was the fact that prior to Oksana going to the Sheriff’s Department and accusing Gibson of domestic violence, Mel’s family law attorneys filed a declaration in the family law case, in which Mel admits to slapping Oksana – he says because she was shaking baby Lucia wildly and feared Shaken Baby Syndrome.

We’re told the likely charge against Mel will be misdemeanor domestic violence — he will not be charged with a felony. Misdemeanor domestic violence carries a maximum penalty of six months in jail.

Sources say the extortion investigation has become a bone of contention between the D.A. and the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department. We’re told Sheriff’s investigators believe there is sufficient evidence — much of which has not been made public — to prosecute Oksana, but the D.A. doesn’t agree.

As for a timetable … we’re told the decision is expected in the next two weeks, and very possibly this week.

News Source: TMZ

Mel Gibson Shut Down Over TMZ Story

Mel Gibson lost a round in court after arguing that Oksana Grigorieva should be stripped of custody because she allegedly leaked info to TMZ.

Sources connected with the case tell us … Mel’s lawyers argued to Judge Scott Gordon last week … Oksana was not acting in the best interests of Lucia by allegedly telling TMZ what she said during her deposition.

TMZ broke the story … Oksana claimed during her deposition that Mel beat her during sex.

Grigorieva denied leaking the info to us — and Mel’s lawyers responded by getting declarations from everyone else in the case stating they weren’t the leak … so, they said, it had to be Oksana.

In the end, Judge Gordon told everyone to go home, insisting who-leaked-what was irrelevant to child custody.

News Source: TMZ

Amy Winehouse has been named the least desirable celebrity wife

The ‘Rehab’ singer – famed for her troubled marriage to drug addict Blake Fielder-Civil, tattoo-covered body and eccentric behaviour – topped a poll by My OK! Wedding magazine, in which readers were asked who would be a terrible spouse.

Joining Amy on the list of bad wives were Lindsay Lohan, Britney Spears, Madonna, Gwyneth Paltrow and Lady Gaga, while Charlie Sheen – who entered rehab last week for drink and drug problems – was named least desirable celebrity husband., closely followed by Mel Gibson and Tom Cruise.

While Amy and Charlie weren’t popular marriage material with readers, Natalie Portman – who is expecting her first child with fiance Benjamin Millepied – was given the title of most desirable celebrity wife, with Britain’s Prince Harry being named as the ultimate husband.

Megan Fox, Katy Perry and Kate Moss all made the top ten for the perfect wife, while Justin Bieber, Robert Pattinson, David Beckham and Harry’s brother Prince William were in the running for ideal husband.

Paul Stacey, a spokesman for My OK! Wedding said: “We were stunned by the results. The least attractive celeb brides and grooms were the party monsters. And I was shocked that Madonna, Lady Gaga and Gwyneth Paltrow were in the least desirable top ten.

“And amazingly, now that Harry has cleaned up his act and proven himself to the world with his work in Afghanistan, he has topped the poll beating all the expected candidates like Robert Pattinson and even his brother William.”

My OK! Wedding Poll Results:

Least Desirable Celebrity Husband:

1: Charlie Sheen

2: Mel Gibson

3: Tom Cruise

4: Mickey Rourke

5: Pete Doherty

6: Marilyn Manson

7: David Hasselhoff

8: Ricky Gervais

9: Chris Moyles

10: Wayne Rooney

Least Desirable Celebrity Wife:

1: Amy Winehouse

2: Lindsay Lohan

3: Britney Spears

4: Heather Mills

5: Gwyneth Paltrow

6: Katie Holmes

7: Lady Gaga

8: Madonna

9: Nicole Kidman

10: Sarah Jessica Parker

Most Desirable Celebrity Wife:

1: Natalie Portman

2: Megan Fox

3: Katy Perry

4: Kate Moss

5: Gisele Bundchen

6: Cheryl Cole

7: Christina Hendricks

8: Rihanna

9: Kim Kardashian

10: Kate Middleton

Most Desirable Celebrity Husband:

1: Prince Harry

2: Justin Bieber

3: Robert Pattinson

4: David Beckham

5: Russell Brand

6: Colin Firth

7: Prince William

8: George Clooney

9: Piers Morgan

10: Brad Pitt

Source: BANG Showbiz

Mel Gibson — Someone Stole My Beaver!

Mel Gibson’s mailbox was broken into Wednesday … and cops are now on the hunt for a beaver.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ, Summit Entertainment — which is distributing Mel’s upcoming movie, “The Beaver” — gave Mel the final cut of the movie on DVD. Mel screened it at his home, and at 10:45 AM put the DVD in his mailbox so a courier could pick it up and return it to Summit.

We’re told the courier showed up at 2:30 PM Wednesday, and the DVD was missing.

The L.A. County Sheriff’s Department is now on the case. But here’s the sad part — It’s being investigated as a petty theft.

But don’t worry Mel — it’s petty theft because of the value of the DVD. We’re sure the movie is awesome.

News Source: TMZ

Winona Ryder has branded Mel Gibson “homophobic” and “anti-Semitic”

The ‘Black Swan’ actress had an encounter with the disgraced Hollywood star some years ago at a party where he made offensive jokes about gay people and Jews.

Winona – who is Jewish – said: “I remember, like, fifteen years ago, I was at one of those big Hollywood parties. And he was really drunk. I was with my friend, who’s gay. He made a really horrible gay joke.

“And somehow it came up that I was Jewish. He said something about ‘oven dodgers,’ but I didn’t get it. I’d never heard that before. It was just this weird, weird moment. I was like, ‘He’s anti-Semitic and he’s homophobic.’ No one believed me!”

Winona – who was arrested for shoplifting in 2001 –admitted she struggled to cope with her fame and had a “semi-breakdown” when she was 23. She also revealed there was a time when she began to rely too heavily on prescription drugs

The 39-year-old actress told America’s GQ magazine: “I got really wiped out, and I had a semi-breakdown. I wasn’t sleeping, I didn’t know who I was because of different roles.

“Those things. I think they’re more powerful than people think. People think, ‘Oh, heroin’s the hardest,’ but pills can be…

“I broke my arm in two places. For about a month, I had to take it. But then I just kept taking it for, like… maybe three more weeks. But the thing I do remember is that once my arm was OK and they were still there, you kind of like… “

Earlier this year, recordings allegedly of Mel were leaked in which he made a racist and abusive rant during an argument with former girlfriend Oksana Grigorieva.

In 2006, Mel was arrested for drink driving and stunned police with an anti-Semitic rant.

Source: BANG Showbiz

Oksana to Mel: I Just Can’t Quit You

TMZ has obtained emails sent from Oksana Grigorieva to Mel Gibson in the months following their nuclear argument on January 6 … and she sounds very much like a woman scorned.

In an email sent on March 30, Oksana writes Mel, “I don’t belive (sic) that u stopped loving me just in one phonecall. U either stopped loving me a long time ago or u still love me.”

Oksana accuses Mel’s estranged wife, Robyn, and daughter, Hanna, of turning Mel against her, writing, “…it’s easier to blame the outsider, ur love, completely unpretected (sic). So u betray me.”

Oksana adds, “Love like that doesn’t die so quickly.”

And in another email, dated May 2, Oksana writes, “Until this morning I was still missing you so much and secretly wanted and hoped for us to be together again,” adding, “I still believed that you loved me, but now I dont. I think you knew what was going on.”

In the May 2 email, Oksana goes on: “I see now, that you seemply (sic) growen (sic) tired of me a while ago, but you were too weak to tell me.”

The emails are significant, because they show a woman in hot pursuit more than someone who fears for her safety — the latter being the reason her lawyers say she secretly taped Mel.

Source: TMZ

Mel Gibson’s Deposition and the Phantom Fist

Oksana Grigorieva’s lawyer accused Mel Gibson during his deposition Monday of clenching his fist … but the judge ruled there was absolutely no proof it happened.

Here’s what we know. The deposition got so contentious and loud among the lawyers … people in the office building heard the noise. Sources say at one point, Oksana’s lawyer, Daniel Horowitz, accused Mel of winking at him – a comment the judge promptly struck from the record.

Horowitz then said on the record … he believed Mel clenched his left fist. Again, the judge struck the comment from the record.

What’s interesting … the proof is in the video, which was rolling during the whole depo. But as far as we know, there’s no evidence Mel clenched it.

And speaking of video …we got some of Oksana yesterday … and she claims she maintained her cool during the depo.

Source: TMZ

Mel Gibson to Oksana: I Have Nothing to Say to You

Mel Gibson didn’t utter a word to Oksana Grigorieva during his deposition Monday … and Oksana gave Mel the same silent treatment … sources tell TMZ.

Mel was asked a wide range of questions during the marathon depo, with Oksana looking on and huddling with her lawyers, suggesting questions.

And here’s a shocker … Mel’s deposition was videotaped! Although the tapes, we’re told, will be watermarked to trace any leak, nothing in this case has stayed secret.

As for Mel’s demeanor, we’re told he never lost his cool but did become agitated from time to time.

We’re told Mel asserted his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination on issues related to the domestic violence investigation.

And sources say … Oksana’s lawyers were not able to play the now-infamous tapes she secretly recorded.

In a word — we’re told the deposition was “contentious.”

Source: TMZ

Mel Gibson: Hobo Clown

Mel Gibson may be sitting for his deposition this morning in L.A. — marking the first time he’s seen his ex Oksana Grigorieva in months — but that didn’t damper his Halloween spirits this weekend. TooFab has obtained this exclusive photo of the actor in costume at a Friday night party.

Dressed in a “Hobo Clown” costume, Gibson attended the party at a private home in Beverly Hills. We’ve confirmed 100% that it’s Mel in the photo.

A source tells TooFab that Gibson “smoked cigarettes, and appeared to have fun talking to a rotation of women. Disguising his face, and sometimes his voice, he seemed to enjoy being incognito, and only a handful of people seemed to have found him out.”

Also at the bash were David Arquette (dressed as Elvis), Kevin Connolly (dressed as Gilligan from “Gilligan’s Island,” Jerry Ferrara, Leonardo DiCaprio (wearing a mask), Stacy Keibler and Molly Sims (dressed as a cat).

Source: TooFab

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: Mel’s Dad Is a Danger to Lucia

Everyone gets embarrassed when their parents go off their rocker — but the rantings of Mel Gibson’s father could create problems in his custody case … at least that’s what Oksana’s lawyers want.

Sources tell TMZ … during Mel’s deposition today, lawyers for Oksana Grigorieva will dredge up statements made by Hutton Gibson during an interview back in August.

Among the pearls of wisdom from Hutton: “Half of the people there in the Vatican are queer.” He also said he thought Pope Benedict XVI is a homosexual.

We’re told Oksana’s lawyers plan to paint a picture … Lucia is at risk if she’s around Mel’s kooky dad.

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

Mel Gibson’s Depo — Listen To the Tapes, Mel

Mel Gibson could be forced during his deposition today to listen to his now infamous tirades that Oksana secretly taped – if Oksana Grigorieva’s legal team has its way … TMZ has learned.

Sources connected with the case tell us Oksana’s lawyers are “seriously considering” playing the tapes in front of Mel, partly to show that he physically abused Oksana and partly to prove he’s an unfit parent. We’re told the lawyers want to ask Mel about alleged domestic violence, the rants, the works.

This is the first time Mel will testify under oath in the custody case … and we’re told Oksana’s lawyers are viewing it as a “no holds barred” deposition.

Sources say Oksana’s legal team will use certain statements Mel has made about his conduct on January 6 — the day of the blowout fight — as well as other statements to challenge his credibility.

The defense believes if Mel asserts his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination during the depo, Oksana’s team can use that against him by pointing to the earlier statements.

As for playing the tapes in the depo … there are big hurdles. First, our sources say the judge has imposed ground rules requiring lawyers to stay away from the domestic violence issue. Nonetheless … the defense believes it still has the right to ask the questions.

The bigger hurdle … Oksana and her lawyers do not have the original recordings, and Mel’s lawyers will almost certainly object to a bootlegged copy being played.

We’re told the depo will “definitely” last longer than a day.

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

Oksana Grigorieva’s Lawyer — ‘She Told the Truth’

Oksana Grigorieva just walked out of a marathon deposition — about 7 hours long — but O.G. has much more she wants to say, according to her attorney, Daniel Horowitz.

On his way to the parking lot, Horowitz told us about Oksana’s long day getting grilled by Mel Gibson’s attorneys … and said she’s looking forward to telling the world everything.

Mel will get his turn to open up — to lawyers — when he sits down for his long-delayed deposition on Monday.

Source: TMZ

Mel Gibson Can’t See Lucia on Her Birthday

TMZ has learned … Mel Gibson won’t be able to spend a second with baby Lucia tomorrow on her first birthday, after being shut down by the judge.

Mel gets Lucia today but is supposed to return her to Oksana in the PM. Problem is … Mel’s primary nanny — the one who takes the baby back and forth — is sick, so Mel asked the judge for permission to return the kid on Saturday morning.

But team Oksana objected, arguing Mel has another nanny who is perfectly capable of transporting Lucia. And Oksana claimed in her legal papers she feels Mel already has too much visitation.

In the end, the judge kept the status quo, which means Mel must return Lucia tonight.

Source: TMZ