Mel Gibson's Thickening Legal Quandary

The trouble for Mel Gibson seems to just get deeper.

He's been battling his ex-girlfriend, Russian singer Oksana Grigorieva, over custody of their 8-month-old daughter. The Los Angeles Police Department has confirmed he's under investigation for domestic violence. She claims he beat her up.

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And now, an audio tape that sounds a lot like Gibson has surfaced on celebrity website RadarOnline in which a man who sounds very much like the Academy Award-winner is heard in a racist and sexist rant against Grigorieva. The two were still together at the time. In it, the man says she looks like a "whore." He then uses the N-word.

He also lashes out at her about the way she was dressed, saying, "That green thing today was enough. That's provocative. OK? I'm telling you. I'm just telling you the truth. I don't like it. I don't want that woman! I don't want you! I don't believe you anymore. I don't trust you. I don't love you. I don't want you."

RadarOnline says Grigorieva made the recording.

Listen to clips of the recording:
First Clip
Second Clip
Third Clip

After the tapes were posted on RadarOnline, Gibson was dropped by his talent agency.

He alleges Grigorieva tried to extort money from him and that, if he didn't pay, she'd leak recordings of him to the press.

How much trouble could Gibson be in with the law?

CBS News legal analyst Mel Gibson points out he's scrapping on two fronts -- and the tape can only make things worse:


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[Will1956]

She is Russian!

She is an Eastern Block!

Generally speaking they are all the same. They have been raised to land the big fish. She landed it and now she is going for the juggler. It is what it is! Gibson knew she was snake early-on and he ignored it. Now he will pay!

[Will1956]

She?s Russian!

She?s an ?Eastern Block?!

?Generally speaking? they?re all the same. They?ve be raised to land the big fish. She landed it and now she?s going for the juggler. It is what it is! Gibson knew she was snake early-on and he ignored it. Now he will pay!

[shakingmyhead]

Mel went slumming when he picked her out of the gutter. She has a long history of being a gold-digger. She's not a 'musician', she's a scam artist. The taped conversations were clearly orchestrated by someone with plenty of extortion experience. He is an easy mark because he's troubled, and she is a vulture. As soon as he agrees to throw enough money at her she will happily go away.

[cleric60]

I'm waiting to hear for Mel himself or one of his spokesperson, before passing anykind of judgement upon him.
It's a horrible thing to be weathly/famous and have a mid-life crisis, asking yourself "Is this all there is???"

[lvlcaphoto]

Wow! Look at all these stupid comments...you've got to be kidding.

#1 - We don't have a clue about these celebrities lives period! What gives anyone the right (including the freaking press) to put these private tapes on the internet or anywhere else for that matter for the public to listen to.
#2 These recordings are taken out of context. What conversations he had with his partner in private should remain just that! Maybe she looked like a *****, and he didn't like it. Is he not allowed to make a comment to his mate about the way she was dressing and maybe flirting, or showing more than he thinks she should when going out in public? Again, there was probably a whole lot more to this tape, and edited for the publics pleasure!
#3. There are a lot of prejudiced people in this world. It doesn't make them any worse than most. The comedians can get away with it and no one says a thing. But you put someone of Mel's stature in the mix, and you get a whole lot more. Unfortunately, prejudice isn't just about the color of skin, it's also religion, disabilities, the poor, etc... Most of us ARE prejudice in some way or another...get over it!!!
#4. So what if he divorced his previous wife. They were married for over 20+ years and maybe lost interest in each other for various reasons. Again, that is still his personal business, why doesn't everyone just look at his accomplishments as an actor and director.
In conclusion: Why can't we leave these "actors" and "actresses" alone? What the heck, are we all not getting very tired of all this sensationalism! Come on, get a life, watch your soap operas! Leave these "people" alone!

[bruceben9]

it's one thing to have certain thoughts and another thing to say them outloud or ac`t them out. he is a scumbag and much worse than her imo. people saying she set him up. good. he effing deserved it! this is just the beginning of the end for this jerk. see ya round meltdown.

[shameonbush]

I'm going to pray for him. He has had problems ever since he made that wonderful movie, The Passion. Of course he is being attacked. I don't see that these tapes are any different than any other domestic squabble. And frankly, it doesn't sound like him all that much, I don't trust her. Say what you will about Mel Gibson, he is the greatest director of all time. Apocolypto was a movie I have watched many times and never get tired of. And just like any great genious, he may be a bit eccentric, so what. I love him and will be praying before the Blessed Sacrament for his protection. Of course Hollywood is trying to ruin him, jealousy over his work has been obvious ever since Braveheart. I can't wait to buy a ticket to his next movie.

[democracy5]

"Greatest director of all time"? You can't POSSIBLY be serious.

[steve_p3]

Of course, there is no excuse for him but what she did was even worse! She provoked him and had the recorder nearby, ready to register! He was stupid enough for becoming her victim!
Even though, he remains a great artist while she...

[democracy5]

Oh, please! She did nothing worse than him, give me a break!

[Hawaii-2010]

Seriously Mel - GO to some AA meetings, cause you really need help!!!

[proump]

He is no worse than Rev. Wright, Jesse " the racist " Jackson, or Louis Farrican. Why don't people say anything about their racist comments liek Hymie town, God Damn America, or Louis spewing hate about America. It was just a moment of weakness which he has often.

[pollroller1]

I will never watch any movie with him in it. As debson1 said, he is a jerk.