Mel Gibson - 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."

The 'Braveheart' actor 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.