Mel Gibson: Born Again At 53

5 months ago 06th Jun 08:15

Despite being one of the world's biggest movie stars, up until recently Mel Gibson seemed a devoted family man who was an outspoken cheerleader for the traditional Catholic movement. However, recent events have shattered this image and to the outside world, it looks as if 53-year-old Mel may be suffering a mid-life crisis.

In April, it was revealed Robyn, his wife of 28 years and mother of his seven children, was filing for divorce and just weeks later Mel announced his new girlfriend, Oksana Grigorieva, was pregnant with their first child.

While this behaviour is not exactly shocking by Hollywood standards - where affairs and illegitimate children are common practice - coming from Mel, it seems worse because of his strong Catholic faith, in which sex outside marriage is still frowned upon.

Look. When it's all said and done, I did a pretty good hatchet job on my marriage myself. I'm to blame. If you're inclined to judge, put it here.

And if recent stories are to be believed, it looks like the 'Lethal Weapon' actor has started to feel the pressure over the consequences of his actions.

Last weekend he was furious when fellow worshippers at his Los Angeles church were gossiping about his private life and allegedly went into a "crazed rant" at them.

A source: "Mel has completely lost it. His holier than thou world is falling apart and it seems Mel hasn't been practicing what he preaches.

"It was a crazed rant. He paced back and forth, furiously telling the congregation including two priests and a visiting bishop, that he would not stand by and be judged and scrutinised."

The news Robyn was divorcing him is said to have come as a blow to Mel because although the couple had been separated for three years, he reportedly didn't want to ruin his image as a family man.

So sources claim he had allegedly offered to pay her $52 million a year to keep quiet about.

"He tried to buy time with Robyn," one said, "agreeing to give her $52 million per year — over and above whatever she'd get in a divorce settlement — to remain visibly by his side before she pulled the plug and filed. But Mel finally ran out of time."

But while the actor has always denied cheated on Robyn he recently admitted he was to blame for their separation.

He said: "My wife and I, our marriage ended three years ago and we've been separated ever since then. These things happen. It's unfortunate, it's sad, but you know she is an admirable woman - we still got kids together. We're friends.

"Look. When it's all said and done, I did a pretty good hatchet job on my marriage myself. I'm to blame. If you're inclined to judge, put it here."

The 'Braveheart' has also spoken of his joy at having another child likening himself to Nadya Suleman, who famously gave birth to octuplets in January.