2010.08.30 - Mad Max Fury Road

I wonder if George Miller made his pro-environmental, animated movie Happy Feet to offset the carbon footprint he’s about to create with Mad Max : Fury Road. If so, he may want to start work on that Happy Feet sequel. One won’t be enough to offset what’s shaping up to be a gas guzzling, high-octane reboot of the formerly Mel Gibson powered franchise. 130 gas guzzlers, to be exact.

The number was discovered by Moviehole in Transmoto magazine where stuntman Cameron Taylor talked about his work on Fury Road. Said Taylor, “It's a big budget deal that's got 130 cars and bikes and 298 stunts!” And apparently they’re kind of going nuts with them.

He adds, “With Stephen Gall orchestrating the bike side of the stunt program, there's Yamaha YZ250s; R1s with super-long swingarms, knobbies and beefed-up suspension; and Tenere 650s will insane paint jobs. They're going all out on this. I'm literally riding all day at the moment, jumping up cliffs and doing some technical riding.”

Here’s the best news in all of this: They’re using actual cars. Actual stuntmen. Tons of them. That means a limited number of ridiculous looking, CGI, green screen substitutes. Real stunt men. Real cars. Real motorcycles. Real jumps. Real crashes. That’s the way a proper Mad Max movie ought to be done. Get excited for Fury Road.

Mad Max: Fury Road is currently shooting in Australia with Inception's Tom Hardy in the lead as Max. Look for it in theaters some time during 2012.

Source: Cinemablend.com

2010.08.27 - Mel Gibson Not Done with the Sheriff Yet...

Mel Gibson probably knows these guys so well at this point that they're on his Christmas card list.

Or maybe not.

In either case, the erstwhile Lethal Weapon will soon be having another sitdown with investigators from the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department.

The theme of the latest get-together will be Gibson's allegations that he was targeted in an extortion attempt by ex-girlfriend Oksana Grigorieva.

"We want to," sheriff's spokesman Steve Whitmore tells E! News when asked if the department planned another round of interrogations. "Right now we just want to re-interview the alleged victim."

The 54-year-old Oscar winner has asked authorities to investigate his claims the 40-year-old Russian musician tried to blackmail him by threatening to go public with recorded phone calls of his ugly tirades unless he paid her around $10 million in hush money.

Grigorieva has adamantly denied the accusation. Of course, said tapes wound up being leaked online over the summer, capturing Mr. Braveheart in all his bigoted, hate-filled glory.

Whitmore could not say when Gibson's new interview will happen or when detectives will  be ready to present to the L.A. County District Attorney's Office, which will then decide whether to bring charges.

Separately on Wednesday, the department sent Gibson's domestic violence case to the D.A. stemming from an alleged attack on Grigorieva back on Jan. 6 as she held the ex-couple's 9-month-old daughter, Lucia.

Prosecutors are now weighing whether to file charges but no word on when they're decision will be announced.

Source: uk.eonline.com

2010.08.25 - Mel Gibson Case Goes to the DA

A source close to the situation told the website, "The handoff has been made. The Sheriff's Department is no longer leading the investigation." Although the D.A. has been involved with the case since the beginning, they now hold control and will decide whether to pursue it.

Gibson has been under investigation for an alleged domestic violence incident at his Malibu home last January. Oksana Grigorieva, Gibson's ex-girlfriend and mother of his infant daughter, claims the actor struck her in the face and broke two teeth while she was holding their child.

Source: ExtraTV

2010.08.25 - Jay Leno`s Mel Gibson Joke, No Laughing Matter

Jay Leno may have blown his chance of bagging the first interview with embattled actor Mel Gibson once his war with Oksana Grigorieva ends, Radar Online has learned.

Performing to a sell out crowd on Sunday evening at the Comedy and Magic Club in Hermosa Beach, California, the Tonight Show host silenced the audience with his opening comment about Gibson.

“That Mel Gibson, huh? What a mess. Mel Gibson actually had an uncle who died at a concentration camp… yeah, really,” he told the crowd.

The audience remained silent, as Leno repeated: “Yep, died at a concentration camp.”

After a few more seconds pause, he sniped: “Yep, he fell out of the guard tower, drunk!”

Gibson has become accustomed to Leno’s couch in recent years, even taking to the Tonight Show studio in May of last year to announce Oksana’s pregnancy.

He has made an astounding 21 guests appearances during his much talked about career.

When contacted by Radar Online a representative for Leno said, “He certainly holds himself free to poke fun at anything that deserves it.”

Source: Radar Online

2010.08.23 - Oksana hits Court for Mel Custody Showdown

It may not be judgment day for Oksana Grigorieva, but it is testimony day.

Mel Gibson’s personal and legal adversary is appearing in a Los Angeles courtroom this morning for a hearing in her ongoing custody case against the telephonically challenged, steering-averse actor.

The powers that be did their best to keep her appearance as low-key as possible (good luck with that), as three sheriff’s deputies escorted her into the building via an underground garage.

While several hearings in the ongoing battle have already taken place, this is the first time either Oksana has attended. For his part, Mel was neither present nor expected to show at the courthouse today.

Today’s hearing, which should last several hours, was also closed off to media—but not before photographers were able to clock their court-appropriate knee length black skirt, three-quarter length white oxford shirt and black heels—though a summary detailing the proceeding was posted outside the courtroom during the session.

Among other custody and visitation issues being discussed today is the motion to seize the passport of the acrimonious duo’s 9-month-old daughter, Lucia, which would prevent either parent from taking the child out of the country. After resuming the hearing this afternoon, the parties also discussed attorneys’ fees. There was still no confirmation on reports that Oksana plans to subpoena Mel’s ex-wife Robyn Gibson.

Oksana made a brief appearance in the hall outside the courtroom during a short morning recess. She was laughing and smiling while talking to her attorney.

Which, more than likely, means somewhere, Mel isn’t.

UPDATE 11:46 a.m.: Before recessing for lunch, court officials and sheriff’s deputies grilled a Radar Online reporter who had snapped an unauthorized photo of Grigorieva in the hall outside the courtroom and posted it online. It was a no-no, and the shutterbug was escorted out, though a decision won’t come later as to whether a civil contempt citation will be issued. Radar has pulled down the offending pic.

UPDATE 2:26 p.m.: Grigorieva and her attorneys along with Gibson’s attorneys are back in the closed-door hearing.

UPDATE 4:55 p.m.: The hearing ended with both sides remaining mum. “I’m sorry no comment,” Grigorieva said as she walked to the elevator.

The daylong hearing was tense at times with discussions inside the closed courtroom so loud that reporters could hear the arguing out in the hall. Judge Scott Gordon looked at times frustrated with the attorneys.

During one break, Grigorieva seemed nervous, biting her nails as she listened to her lawyer. But each time she walked past reporters she made a point of smiling.

Source: E! Online

2010.08.23 - Mel`s Custody of Lucia to Double...

Mel Gibson is poised to double his custody of the baby daughter at the center of his bitter court battle with ex-lover Oksana Grigorieva within months, Radar Online has exclusively learned.

A Los Angeles judge has ordered Mel and Oksana to share visitation of little Lucia, adhering to the aborted $20 million peace deal struck in May.

As part of that agreement, Mel’s custodial rights of Lucia, totaling 20 percent, were set to increase steeply to 40 percent once Lucia turns one-year-old, on October 30.

“Oksana is furious… she is convinced Mel is not fit to be alone with Lucia,” said a source, close to the situation.

“As the court process drags on — and with no resolution in sight — the one winner in all of this is Mel. Eventually he gets more of Lucia.”

Mel and Oksana were in court in Los Angeles last Wednesday. The next major hearing to determine custodial issues was set down for October; a date that is unlikely to resolved the matter for good.

Oksana initially agreed to an 80-20 visitation deal with Mel, in exchange for a slice of the star’s multi-million-dollar fortune.

But she reneged on the final deal, after signing it in short-form.

When the court discovered there was a settlement agreement between Mel and Oksana, the judge presiding over the case ordered it to remain in force until the matter could be sorted out.

Oksana wants to strip Mel of all custody and her lawyers claim the secretly-recorded tapes that show Mel is a danger to the child and he should not have any contact with her.

Source: Radar Online

2010.08.23 - Oksana`s Dentist sticks with Original Story

Oksana Grigorieva's dentist is talking on camera for the first time -- sticking with his first version of events on January 6 between Mel Gibson and Oksana  -- that she was struck in the mouth AND the head.
As we first reported, Oksana went to Dr. Ross Shelden the day after the blowup. Dr. Shelden signed a written declaration stating Oksana was struck in the mouth and the temple. But as we reported, he has also told another, conflicting story -- that Oksana was NOT struck in the mouth -- and there was no evidence of bruising consistent with a strike to the mouth. Dr. Shelden theorized Oksana was struck in the temple, which caused her to bite down hard which led to two veneers coming out.

In this video shot Thursday, Dr. Shelden -- who at first says he shouldn't comment -- says, "I think [Oksana's injuries] were definitely caused by a blow to the mouth and a blow to the head."

WATCH VIDEO of the Dentist speaking.

If Mel Gibson is charged with domestic violence, Dr. Shelden's inconsistent stories could damage his credibility as a witness.

Source: TmZ.com

2010.08.21 - Mel Gibson Criminal Investigation -

2010.08.21 - Oksana to Have 1% of Mel`s Monthly...

Mel Gibson doesn't have the best public image these days, but it looks like he'll have lots of money to comfort himself with: the embattled actor has told a judge that he needs a $7.2 million "slush fund" to support his extravagant lifestyle.

RadarOnline is reporting that during a court hearing on Wednesday (August 18) to determine the amount of child support Mel owes to ex-lover Oksana Grigorieva, the mother of his 8-month-old daughter Lucia, the actor tried to limit Oksana's monthly child support payments to $6,000 – which is only 1% of the $600,000 that the star says he spends on himself every 30 days.

Mel argued that his own expenses – which he says only include living costs, not luxury items such as a private jet – were absolute "necessities."

While the Braveheart star seems to be flush with cash now, he claimed to be broke a few months ago. In one of the infamous rant tapes, Mel yells at Oksana, "I don't have any f---ing money! I have to support you and everybody else!"

According to reports, Oksana told the judge that she needs more money to pay bodyguards to keep herself and daughter Lucia safe.

Source: CelebrityBabyScoop.com

2010.08.19 - Baby Talk in Mel Gibson Court Case

We're told yesterday's marathon court hearing involved a request by Oksana Grigorieva and her lawyers to increase Mel Gibson's child support payments.  Sources say Mel's lawyers argued the kid is 9 months old and doesn't need more than Mel is paying -- we're told $5,000 a month plus other living expenses.

In the end, Judge Gordon decided not to decide on the spot, but to think it over.

There was a notation on the court docket plastered on the door of the courtroom that the issue of Lucia's passport was on calendar, but we've learned the matter never came up.

As for Mel's deposition ... sources tell us a date still has not been set.

Oksana Grigorieva got more than she bargained for today -- a marathon court session lasting seven hours. We're told among the items on the court agenda today ... a petition for increased child support, yanking baby Lucia's passport, and attorney's fees.

Source: TmZ.com

2010.08.18 - Mel Gibson, Oksana Grigorieva Package Deal

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ the L.A. County District Attorney will treat the Mel Gibson domestic violence investigation and the Oksana Grigorieva extortion probe as a “package deal.”

Our sources say the D.A. will make filing decisions on both investigations at the same time. And, we’ve learned the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department is still a ways away from sending the extortion case over to the D.A.

Bottom line — don’t expect to know whether Mel and Oksana will be prosecuted for a while.

Source: TMZ

2010.08.18 - Oksana & Mel`s Custody Showdown

Oksana Grigorieva arrived in a Los Angeles courtroom Wednesday morning, hoping to strip her former love Mel Gibson of all custody rights to their baby daughter Lucia, Radar Online has learned.

According to the court docket, several issues are to be discussed at the hearing. In addition to custody and visitation, the hearing will also look at child support and attorney fees, and there’s also a motion to surrender the child’s passport so neither parent can take the child out of the country.

Gibson is not expected to attend the hearing. His attorneys will represent him instead.

As Radar Online was first to report, the Russian singer and pianist claims Mel punched her twice in the face last January at the star’s home in Malibu, breaking two of her veeners and giving her a concussion. Oksana said that she feared for her life and that of their baby daughter.

The hearing is private and closed to the media.

Source: Radar Online

2010.08.18 - Oksana`s Lawyers set to Subpoena Robyn

Oksana Grigorieva’s lawyers want to question Mel Gibson’s ex-wife Robyn about her claims the Braveheart star was not violent during their marriage, Radar Online has exclusively learned.

Team Oksana is poised to sensationally subpoena Robyn Moore Gibson to appear before a deposition; Robyn, of course, is the same woman who the actor left for the Russian musician after 28 years of marriage.

As Radar Online was first to report, Oksana has told law enforcement that Mel once admitted hurling a television at his former wife.

The actor’s ex-girlfriend also said she personally witnessed him hitting his youngest son, Tommy.

The legal move adds yet another twist in the bitter battle between the Mel and Oksana and could result in Robyn being forced into the witness stand to be questioned.

Oksana’s legal advisors want to probe Robyn about the sworn affidavit she submitted to the court stating Mel was not ever abusive to her or his children.

“Mel never engaged in any physical abuse of any kind toward me before, during, or after our marriage,” Robyn reportedly told the judge overseeing the case.

Robyn’s support of Mel raised eyebrows within Oksana’s camp who want to question her motivation for doing so, said a source familiar with the case.

She filed for divorce from the Oscar-winning Braveheart star last year, citing irreconcilable differences.

The decision triggered one of Hollywood’s most expensive divorces, because the pair reportedly had no pre-nup and she was able to secure half of the star’s $850 million fortune.

Robyn, 54, is the mother of Mel’s seven children – six of whom are adults.

Specifically Oksana’s lawyers want to investigate what supposedly happened during one allegedly brutal confrontation throughout their marriage.

“Mel was telling several times how he threw a TV into her (Robyn) once when they were arguing,” a source has claimed.

“Thank god he missed and the TV fell out a second story window.”

Oksana also alleges that Mel hit Tommy in the head while at a hockey game at Los Angele’s Staples Center two-and-a-half-years ago.

“Oksana told authorities about Mel’s ‘angry outbursts’ toward his own family and friends,” said a source familiar with the Mel Gibson investigation.

“Oksana has suggested Tommy was assaulted and her lawyers believe the child would have confided this in his mother.”

The Russian singer and pianist claims Mel punched her twice in the face and that she feared for her life and that of their baby daughter.

She wants to strip all of Mel’s custody rights to Lucia, and the opposing camps are scheduled to square off before a judge again on Wednesday.

Source: Radar Online

2010.08.18 - The End is Near of the Investigation

Los Angeles detectives are planning to wrap up their investigations into domestic violence allegations against MEL GIBSON by the end of the week (20Aug10).

The actor/director's ex-girlfriend Oksana Grigorieva accused the star of attacking her and knocking out a tooth earlier this summer (10), prompting officials to investigate the matter.

They have also been investigating Gibson's claims that the Russian singer was attempting to extort money from him. Sheriff's spokesman Steve Whitmore tells the Los Angeles Times that study will also be completed soon.

The findings will be passed to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's office. Lawmakers will then decide whether to press charges against Gibson.

Investigators have poured over emails, texts and leaked audio from a fiery phone chat between Gibson and his ex.

Source: ContactMusic.com

2010.08.17 - Mel Gibson`s car - The Wreckage

TMZ has obtained the photos of Mel Gibson's smashed up Maserati -- taken after he crashed the ultra-expensive ride into a rocky hillside in Malibu on Sunday. The front passenger wheel area is a total mess -- with serious cosmetic and functional tire damage ... which is why the car had to be towed from the scene.

As we first reported, Gibson told CHP officers in the field that he did not know how the car drifted out of the lane and into the hillside.  But according to the police report, alcohol was not a factor.

View the Pictures HERE

Source: TmZ.com

2010.08.16 - Mel Gibson in a Car Crash

Mel Gibson acclimated back into L.A. life by getting into a car accident yesterday ... this according to law enforcement sources.
Sources tell TMZ it happened at 8:35 PM in Malibu.  Gibson, we're told, lost control of his car and ended up striking the rocky hillside on Malibu Canyon Road.

Gibson was driving a 2008 Maserati, which had to be towed from the scene.

Hours before the crash -- photogs shot footage of Gibson driving the Maserati around Malibu (see video above). 

According to the CHP report, obtained by TMZ, "For unknown reasons, Mr. Gibson steered his car to the right and struck the rock hillside.  He stopped his car at the scene and was contacted by officers from the West Valley CHP Area."

CHP Public Information Officer Leland Tang tells TMZ ... "Gibson told officers in the field he did not know how the car drifted out of the lane and into the hillside."  Tang said his officers followed up by asking Gibson if he was on a cell phone and he said no.  Tang adds officers also asked Gibson if he had dozed off "but he did not give a firm 'yes' or 'no'."  Gibson just repeated several times, "I don't know how the car left the roadway."

The report goes on, "Mr. Gibson supplied all the pertinent information to the officers at the scene, gave a statement, and received a ride home from a friend."

Gibson was not hurt.

According to the report, "DUI is not suspected in the accident."

UPDATE:  As for the curious statement in the report ... "For unknown reasons, Mr. Gibson steered his car to the right and struck the rock hillside." Tang tells TMZ his department was in no way trying to insinuate Gibson did it intentionally. Tang says, "It was totally an unintentional act."  And Tang says no citation was issued and no charges will be filed.

Source: TmZ.com

2010.08.14 - Mel Gibson Returns

Mel Gibson flew back to L.A. today with two of his sons -- back from a two-week fishing trip. Gibson landed at around 2:00 PM PT.  He's been fishin' in Fiji ... where no one -- not even Oksana -- could find him.

Sources tell us Mel's deposition in the custody case will go down next week.

To view all 12 pictures, click here

Source: TmZ.com