Looks like someone sure caught a lucky break. Mel Gibson has struck a deal and will plead no contest to simple battery in court with lawyer Blair Berk on Friday, a lesser charge than corporal injury on a spouse which he was originally facing, in order to avoid jail time. The case relates to an incident between Gibson and his baby mama Oksana Grigorieva, who accused Gibson of punching her in the face and knocking out her teeth during an argument. Gibson said in a written declaration he slapped her during an argument because she was hysterical and shaking their daughter, but denies hitting her.
Per ET:
Mel’s admission was part of a plea deal brokered with prosecutors to avoid a messy trial, and excuses the actor from receiving any jail time for his actions. Instead, Gibson is expected to undergo counseling (’cause that’s worked so well for him in the past) and possibly serve some length of probation.
Gibson reportedly took the plea deal in order to avoid going to trial, as celebrity trials are high wattage tabloid events (see: anytime Lindsay Lohan steps into court). Gibson’s lawyer additionally states that by accepting a plea deal, Gibson is also protecting his children, especially his young daughter Lucia. Which, after months of drama, we can only guess is a welcome relief. Well done, Blair Berk for your client. Lohan – take note.
Officials are still investigating and extortion case involving Gibson and Grigorieva. He claims his ex attempted to extort money out of him by recording him hurling abuse at her in a 2010 phone call while angry, which was later leaked to the media. Grigorieva maintains that she did not leak the recording. For his part, Gibson has claimed that Grigorieva used the audiotapes to try to extort a better settlement from him over their breakup – a deal that has been reported to be as high as $20 million. Oksana has since taken out a restraining order against Gibson, and the two are currently involved in a child custody war.
Another injustice of rich people getting away with the same crimes that send poor people to prison! The only good thing I have to say for Mel Gibson is that his handlers are handling him better than the handlers of Charlie Sheen!
Click here to see who’s also engaged in a child custody battle!
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Images Via: WENN
