Mel to Judge: Strip Oksana of Custody, STAT!

Mel Gibson’s lawyer went to court for an emergency hearing Friday, asking the judge to immediately strip Oksana Grigorieva of custody of baby Lucia … TMZ has learned.

Sources connected with the case tell us the trigger for the hearing was TMZ’s story the day before … in which we reported Oksana claimed in her deposition earlier in the week that Mel beat her in order to get aroused during sex.

We’re told Mel and his lawyers were outraged and accused Oksana’s team of leaking the info. Mel’s family lawyer, Stephen Kolodny, asked Judge Scott Gordon on Friday to take custody away from Oksana on grounds she acted maliciously — not in the best interests of Lucia — by allegedly leaking the story.

According to our sources, Kolodny also argued many of the allegations Oksana made during her deposition — including the one reported on TMZ — have never been made before and is a belated attempt to smear Mel and harm Lucia.

Our sources say Kolodny asked Judge Gordon for an immediate ruling but the judge refused, setting the matter for a full hearing next month.

News 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

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 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

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

Another Oksana Lawyer Bites the Dust

Oksana Grigorieva has lost another lawyer in the family law case – Lisa Bloom is substituting out, TMZ has learned.

We don’t know exactly why Bloom left the case — but we’re told there were some conflicts between Bloom and Oksana’s remaining legal team. Specifically, we’re told over the weekend, Daniel Horowitz was working with Oksana at her home. Bloom came by and left looking pretty mad.

Bloom tells TMZ, “I still represent her and I have not quit,” adding she is just temporarily out of the family law case while she is in Europe speaking at the Climate Change Convention at the House of Commons in London.

Other sources say Bloom is out of the family law case … period.

Source: TMZ

Oksana to Playboy: My Body Is Off Limits

Oksana Grigorieva will not consider Playboy’s offer to pose in the magazine … not now, not ever.

Steve Jaffe, Oksana’s PR guy, tells TMZ … “Not now, not ever, nor for any amount of money, would our client, Oksana Grigorieva, even consider any offer to pose for Playboy. Someone might have sent an email to one of her representatives but that’s not news.”

TMZ first reported … Playboy offered O.G. the cover, writing to one of Oksana’s reps in an email dated October 15 and obtained by TMZ, “It would be $75k with cover try.”

Source: TMZ

Playboy Targets Oksana for ‘Full Nude’ Pictorial

Oksana Grigorieva has an opportunity to get something off her chest — her shirt — because TMZ has learned Playboy Magazine has officially made an offer for a “full nude” spread.

Sources close to the offer tell us Playboy is willing to fork over a cool $75,000 for her trouble — and to sweeten the deal, they’re even willing to give Oksana the cover … a pretty enticing move for a struggling musician looking for some non-Mel publicity.

So far, no word on whether Oksana is considering the move — but with her significant legal debt, it could be the perfect opportunity.

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

Oksana and Her Lawyer — Here’s a Freebie

Mel Gibson should be a fan of Oksana Grigorieva’s new lawyer, Lisa Bloom — ’cause unlike the cavalcade of lawyers trying to stick Mel with Oksana’s legal bills … Bloom is working for free.

Bloom tells TMZ she decided to work for Oksana pro bono because she felt it was important to support a (alleged) domestic abuse victim.

Bloom says she and her firm will continue to work for Oksana throughout the duration of the case.

The way things are going, that should be in the year 2048.

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 — Russian Immigrant with 39 Lawyers

TMZ has learned … Oksana Grigorieva – who has said she doesn’t have the power to fight the Mel Gibson machine — has hired a grand total of 39 (THIRTY-NINE) lawyers so far … to wage legal war on her behalf.

All 39 lawyers have been doing legal work for Oksana in her fight with Mel. Even more shocking, we know at least 18 of the 39 lawyers have submitted more than $1 million in legal bills to the court … and they’re asking the judge to make Mel pay the tab.

As for the 39 lawyers who have jumped on board team Oksana, they include: Lisa Bloom, Martin Garbus, Daniel Horowitz, Eric George, Sonia Lee, Robin Sax, John Carlson, James Spertus, Ezra Landes, Mary Fulginiti, Amy Hinkley, Dan O’Malley, Suzie Obeda and Amanda Touchton.

But there’s more … the firm of Trope and Trope has put the following lawyers on Oksana’s case: Sorrell Trope, Anne Kiley, Angela Harris, Bret Hunter, Hillary Slevin, James Durant, John Ellis, Jennifer Leong, Jonathan Pakravan, Katie Heersema, Lori Howe, Melanie Shornick, Mark Patt, Sophie Bidet, Sarah Luetto, Thomas Dunlap and Tara Scott.

And, the firm of Freid and Goldsman have put the following lawyers on Team Oksana: Manley Freid, Gary Cohen, Marci Levine, Janet Kaplan, Cori Steinberg, Susan Park, Jill Foley Alexander and Kristine Capell.

And the irony — at the moment Oksana has no family law attorney repping her … almost all of them have either been fired or quit.

Source: TMZ

Oksana’s Lawyer: Mel Is a ‘Deadbeat Dad’

Oksana Grigorieva just left the courthouse after her newest lawyer called Mel Gibson a “deadbeat dad.”

Lisa Bloom just left the courthouse with Oksana and said Mel’s behind on child support payments.

Bloom also claimed Mel’s lawyers are “bullying Oksana” by making her sit for 3 days of depositions and they want more, yet Mel hasn’t sat at all for his depo.

And Oksana’s former lawyers were in court asking the judge to order Mel to pay $250,000 in legal fees. There’s a dispute over the $250k, and the judge said he’ll take it up on November 10.

Source: TMZ

Another Oksana Lawyer Quits Her

Déjà vu … Oksana Grigorieva just lost her family law attorneys … TMZ has learned. And the firm said goodbye because the lawyers couldn’t tolerate her shenanigans.

Sorrell Trope and his premiere firm have quit the case, sources tell TMZ.

Our sources say Trope and company were beside themselves that other lawyers in the case were engineering a publicity campaign, trying to put Oksana on “Oprah” and “People.”

The firm has not formally filed withdrawal papers with the court, but it will happen soon.

Source: TMZ

Oksana Allegedly Spilled Guts to Mel’s Shrink

Oksana Grigorieva went to Mel Gibson’s psychologist days after she made the secret recordings and played them for the shrink … sources connected with Oksana tell TMZ.

We’re told the psychologist — Dr. John Kenyon – had been seeing Mel professionally. Sources say Oksana went to Dr. Kenyon because she felt Mel needed help and wanted him to hear the tapes and take action.

We’re also told Oksana’s lawyers have discussed the possibility of taking the shrink’s deposition, in part to establish Oksana’s motives in taping Mel.

But here’s the complication … At the same time Oksana was allegedly talking to Mel’s shrink, she was shopping for lawyers, including Gloria Allred. Eventually, she scored a $15 million package from Mel, which she later disavowed.

The L.A. County Sheriff’s Department is in the throes of an investigation to determine if the tapes became a weapon in an extortion play by Oksana.

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’s Lawyer Pulls Plug on Oprah Interview

Oksana Grigorieva will not be doing Oprah Winfrey’s show, but contrary to a CNN report, it’s not because the judge gagged her … it’s because one of her lawyers said, “no way.”

There’s a report out that Judge Scott Gordon ordered Oksana to pull the plug on “Oprah” … we know that’s simply not the case.

Judge Gordon did not order Oksana to stay clear of “Oprah.” Period.

Sources connected with the case tell us there was a conflict between Oksana’s lawyers – Anne Kiley, her family lawyer, was strongly against Oksana doing the interview. Sources tell us … Daniel Horowitz, who arranged the interview, wanted her to do it — as did Oksana — but ultimately Horowitz deferred to Kiley.

Source: TMZ

Oksana to Oprah: I Didn’t Know Nothin’ ‘Bout Money

Oksana Grigorieva has told producers on “Oprah” she had absolutely no idea during her mediation with Mel Gibson she was scoring a $15 million package in return for handing over the secret tapes … sources tell TMZ.

Oksana will fly to Chicago — probably this week — to tape her show with O. We’re told during a phone conversation with the producer during a pre-interview — regarding claims she tried to extort money from Mel — Oksana said she never authorized her lawyer to get money in return for the tapes.

An inside source connected with the mediation laughed at Oksana’s claim of ignorance. When asked where Oksana lands on a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being micromanaging the mediation, the source said, “Probably an 11.”

The source added the mediation was only supposed to last one day, but it took twice as long because “Oksana was all over it, making demands, getting involved in every conversation, and on and on.”

Source: TMZ

Nicholson to Oksana’s Dude: You Don’t Know Jack

Oksana Grigorieva’s bodyguard/key adviser told her none other than Jack Nicholson was footing the bill for his services because Jack was so concerned for her safety … but his story is pure BS — sources tell TMZ.

We know Kristian Otto Herzog — a twice-convicted felon who impersonated a cop with a loaded firearm — told Mel Gibson’s baby mama he would protect her free of charge, because Jack was graciously covering the bills.

Read more at TMZ

Judge Orders Oksana’s Key Guy To Stay Clear of Lucia

Mel Gibson’s lawyers just got a judge to order Oksana Grigorieva’s bodyguard/key adviser to stay away from baby Lucia … TMZ has learned.

Judge Scott Gordon issued a restraining order against Oksana’s confidante, Kristian Otto Herzog, after Mel Gibson’s lawyers claimed he’s a danger to Mel’s daughter.

As we first reported … Herzog is a twice-convicted felon — each case involving firearms. He was released from jail in March after serving 255 days. He is currently on probation.

We’re told Mel had asked Oksana to keep Herzog away from Lucia … but she refused. So today Mel’s lawyers asked Judge Scott Gordon for a restraining order … which has been granted.

Source: TMZ

Oprah and Oksana — Ebony and Ivory

Imagine this … Oprah Winfrey the most powerful person in the history of television — and now the tool of one Oksana Grigorieva … who is using the talk show queen to jump start her music career.

Sources tell TMZ … a camera crew from the “Oprah” show rolled over to Oksana’s home in Sherman Oaks on Friday to shoot some footage for Oksana’s upcoming appearance … but there was a secret agenda.

As we previously reported, Oksana agreed to do an exclusive sit-down with Oprah and spill her guts about Mel — but in return, Oksana wanted to showcase her musical “talents” on TV … and Oprah caved.

As for the sit-down part of the interview — we’re told “Oprah” producers are trying to push it to happen ASAP … but so far no firm date has been set.

No comment from Team Oprah.

Source: TMZ

Oksana’s Closest Advisor — Gun-Toting Felon

A convicted felon with a history of firearms abuse has become Oksana Grigorieva’s key man and constant companion, and friends of Mel Gibson say he is deeply concerned about the safety of baby Lucia.

Kristian Otto Herzog has been working as Oksana’s bodyguard for months, but multiple sources in the case say he has become so involved in the custody war, he is calling the shots. Herzog is the reason Oksana has changed lawyers so frequently — when he doesn’t like them, they go.

Herzog — who now has what is described as a “deep relationship” with Oksana — is constantly around 11-month-old Lucia, and Gibson is worried.

For starters, Herzog is a felon twice over who has repeatedly impersonated a police officer with loaded firearms.

In 2009 alone, he was arrested twice and each case involved firearms. According to court records, in April, Herzog chased two men who were driving in Hollywood, confronted them and accused them of cutting him off. Authorities say Herzog impersonated a cop in his Crown Victoria, with a placard on the dash which read “Police Interceptor.” Herzog was carrying a loaded semiautomatic firearm.

In May 2009, Herzog followed a woman out of a Ralph’s supermarket, turned on lights and a siren he rigged on his car … and after she stopped, he began asking her personal questions. She freaked out, drove away and found a nearby cop, who arrested Herzog. At the time of his arrest, Herzog had a knife in his boot as well as a loaded semiautomatic handgun which was not registered to him.

Herzog was charged with multiple crimes and pled no contest in October, 2009 to two counts of impersonating an officer — both felonies. He was sentenced to one year in jail but was given credit for time served — he was in jail for 255 days after his second arrest in May. He is on three years probation and prohibited from possessing a firearm.

But recently, two people accused Herzog of making death threats against them for not testifying against Mel Gibson in the ongoing war.

Herzog, who has an explosive temper and uses it frequently with the players in the current case, including Oksana’s lawyers, has been convicted of two other crimes.

It’s ironic — since their mediation, Oksana has claimed Mel Gibson is a danger to his children, yet she is allowing a convicted felon with a history of firearms abuse and a nuclear temper to essentially live at her home, where he is constantly around the baby.

Sources tell us … Mel’s people have asked Oksana to keep Herzog away from the baby, but she refuses.

No comment from Oksana’s camp.

Source: TMZ

Oksana: My Sister is No Tape Worm

Oksana Grigorieva has privately confessed … her sister was indeed in possession of Mel Gibson recordings as TMZ first told you — but Oksana says her sis couldn’t have been the leak because of what she didn’t have.

Sources close to Oksana tell TMZ … Mel’s baby mama gave her younger sister, Natalie, recordings of an irate Mel Gibson on February 19 … hours after Mel went on his secretly-recorded rants. The reason Oksana forked over the goods — she says she thought Mel was going to kill her and wanted someone to have evidence.

But our sources say of the 10 recordings, Natalie received only nine. Oksana claims Natalie never had the tape where Mel explodes and says, “You look like a f**king pig in heat and if you get raped by a pack of ni**ers it will be your fault.”

That, Oksana says, is proof Natalie is not the leak.

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