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On Friday, we learned that Mel Gibson, 54, had filed a temporary restraining order against ex-girlfriend Okasana Grigorieva. Then we found out that the mother of his eighth child (born in 2009) had filed her own prior restraining order, in which she alleged domestic abuse. And now, TMZ has released disturbing details about Gibson's alleged violent behavior.
On Sunday, the site printed anonymous reports that the actor was seriously abusive to the mother of his 7-month-old daughter, Lucia. "She tried to protect the baby during one of Gibson's violent episodes when he punched Oksana in the face two times, breaking her teeth and giving her a concussion," Grigorieva's friends tell TMZ. The sources explain that Grigorieva didn't come forward earlier because "she tried to protect his reputation" and "believed in his empty promises to obtain professional help to control his violent nature."
We don't know if the story is true, but sadly, it sounds potentially plausible. Much as we loved him in Braveheart, Gibson has a history of alcoholism (which is often a factor in domestic abuse), and has displayed violent anger in the past -- most notably, when he was arrested for a DUI, and launched into an anti-Semitic, misogynistic tirade that his camp tried to cover up. He's also expressed hostility towards women in multiple interviews. As for Grigorieva, she certainly wouldn't be the first woman to stay with an abusive husband because she thought he would change (especially with a baby in the equation). Whatever the facts may be, will the Oscar winner be able to explain himself out of this severe stain on his already damaged reputation?
Gibson's people have offered no comment, though we imagine they'll claim Grigorieva's accusations are a ploy to win an upcoming custody battle. However, if Gibson did break Grigorieva's teeth, it will be pretty easy to prove in a court of law. A person's pearly whites don't exactly fix themselves.
Do you believe that Mel Gibson abused his ex-girlfriend? Chime in below!
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