Gibson faces domestic violence probe

THE sheriff’s department in Los Angeles said last night that it is investigating actor Mel Gibson over a possible domestic violence incident involving his ex-girlfriend earlier this year in Malibu.

The department said that it has opened a preliminary inquiry into the alleged attack. The 54-year-old actor is named as a potential suspect.

His former girlfriend, Russian singer Oksana Grigorieva, 40, is named as a possible victim.

The alleged attack occurred on January 6.

Sheriff’s spokesman, Steve Whitmore, said detectives interviewed Ms Grigorieva on Monday.

She has been the only person interviewed so far.

“We’re in the process of verifying, verifying, verifying,” Mr Whitmore said. “All the allegations that have been put forth will be thoroughly investigated.”

Mr Whitmore said it may take a month to conclude the investigation. The results will then be turned over to the district attorney’s office, which will decide whether to pursue charges.

No further details were available.

The actor and his ex-girlfriend have been involved in a custody dispute over their eight-month-old daughter, Lucia – the subject of a confidential court case.

The Braveheart director is no longer on probation for his 2006 drink-driving case and his conviction has since been quashed.