Mel Gibson Discusses Extortion Claims

Mel Gibson has met with detectives to discuss extortion claims against his ex-girlfriend.   The 54-year-old actor – who has been accused of domestic violence against Oksana Grigorieva, the mother of his nine-month-old daughter Lucia – met with detectives on Sunday (25.07.10) to discuss claims the Russian singer tried to get money from him.

Mel has claimed Oksana only released explosive audio tapes – documenting their vicious arguments and the alleged attacks made by the Hollywood star – after he refused her apparent demands for cash.   Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department spokesman Steve Whitmore confirmed that detectives had met with Mel to discuss his allegations.   Whitmore explained: “It was not for the domestic violence investigation, it was just for the extortion.”

Mel does not have to discuss Oksana’s claims based on his Fifth Amendment rights against self-incrimination.   During the meeting, Mel and his lawyer submitted “physical evidence” — including emails and texts – to make the case against Oksana.   Meanwhile, a photograph of Oksana with a black eye after an alleged fight with Mel has surfaced on the internet.   The close-up shot, which shows the 40-year-old beauty with deep bruises around her left eye, was reportedly taken in January after a heated argument with Mel.   Mel is now facing a criminal investigation on domestic battery charges by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and is part of a Department of Children and Family Services investigation.