Sheriff will investigate Mel Gibson's extortion claim against Oksana Grigorieva

The investigation into allegations of domestic violence brought against Mel Gibson by Oksana Grigorieva is being expanded to include a look-see into allegations by the actor that his ex-girlfriend attempted to extort money from him, L.A. Now reports.

A Los Angeles County sheriff's spokesman said Wednesday that investigators are "looking into" the report of an extortion attempt related to the string of taped conversations that have been made public over the last couple of weeks. 

Gibson attorney Blair Berk reportedly presented evidence of the alleged extortion to sheriff's department investigators on Tuesday. 

Also on Wednesday, Radar Online published what it says is a picture of the couple's child, Lucia, with an abrasion on her face, and quoted an unnamed source "with knowledge of the situation" as saying a doctor diagnosed Grigorieva with a concussion in January.

Incidentally, this link doesn't go to the picture posted by Radar -- but it might as well.

-- Christie D'Zurilla

Photo: Mel Gibson as Thomas Craven in the 2010 film "Edge of Darkness" Credit: Macall Polay / Warner Bros. 

Related dispatches from or presented by the Ministry of Gossip:

Mel Gibson: The shadow in his smile

The sixth alleged Mel Gibson tape: 'monster' and child — while his attorney makes his case to the sheriff

For posts about the first, second, third, fourth and fifth tapes, click the appropriate links.

Mel Gibson isn't moving to Australia -- but you knew that

Mel Gibson, Lindsay Lohan get send-ups with signature cocktails

Picture of Oksana Grigorieva's teeth goes public -- along with reports of dentist's doubts

Whoopi Goldberg defends herself for defending Mel Gibson

Could Mel Gibson learn a little something from 'Mad Men'?

PREACH IT! Mel Gibson's silence: What does it mean?

Comments

[StephenG]

I hate to say I told you so, but I told you so.

[kaabob]

Could this case be another example of the extortion attempt on Letterman by that T.V. show producer who recently got nominated for an Emmy? Except in this case, the extortioner is evil enough to marry and have a baby to aid in the extortion. Shivers down my spine....

[Mel Fan 13]

No duh...I could have sworn this we are in the month of July..isn't it quite precarious that the alleged incident took place waaaay back in January..she must have forgotten. I hope she gets jailtime..GOLD DIGGING SKANK!!

[reeblite]

wonder if radaronline can be implicated for buying and making public these tapes as well. hope the DA makes a case, those tapes sound doctored, her teeth could have been that way for years. not saying mel doesn't have rage problems, but sounds like extortion to me. never had a complaint for 28 years from his wife and family.

[reeblite]

radaronline is out of control, hope he sues them.

[cdz from the ministry]

Christie D'Zurilla here from the blog with a reminder that we don't publish comments that include profanity or vulgarity. As a rule of thumb, if you wouldn't use a word out loud when speaking to your elderly aunt and her bridge partners (when they're not drinking beer, that is), don't use it here -- even if you did hear someone say it on a recent audio tape.

Thanks for reading and commenting.

//cdz

[Carmen Rivera]

How is it she seeks help for herself but not for her infant? The alleged inicdent happened in Januar, the audios in February and the settlement agreement signed in April. Why a settlement agreement when all she's intitled to is childsupport under the law? It's also reported the text gives the reason for the audios as he not supporting her not to protect herself.