Goldberg: 'Gibson Is Not A Racist'

Audio of the fight, which leaked on RadarOnline.com on Friday (09Jul10), featured a voice believed to be Gibson's berating a woman, said to be the Russian singer, about the way she dresses.

The male can be heard saying, "You're an embarrassment to me. You look like a f**king pig in heat, and if you get raped by a pack of n**gers, it will be your fault."

Representatives for Gibson have yet to confirm the authenticity of the tape, but Goldberg has defended the Braveheart actor's crude language, insisting he's simply being a "bonehead".

The African-American Ghost star claims Gibson would not have maintained a friendship with her and her children if he was really a racist.

Speaking on her U.S. talk show The View on Monday (12Jul10), she says, "I don't like what he did here, but I know Mel, and I know he's not a racist. He may be a bonehead.

"I have had a long friendship with Mel. You can say he's being a bonehead, but I can't say he's a racist having spent time with him in my house with my kids. Make no mistake (he's not a racist)."

But Goldberg is quick to clarify she does not approve of Gibson's alleged behaviour and his language - if the tape is authentic.

She adds, "I'm not defending Mel, I'm simply saying that... I don't see him as that (a racist) because that's not my experience with him."

Gibson is currently being investigated by Los Angeles authorities over allegations he was violent towards Grigorieva, the mother of his baby daughter Lucia, during their romance. The couple split earlier this year (10) and is currently embroiled in a bitter custody battle.