Mel Gibson finally breaks his silence

Troubled Mel Gibson has finally spoken out about his disastrous 2010, during which he split from girlfriend Oksana Grigorieva, faced charges of domestic abuse, and was caught on tape making vicious outbursts, which Oksana claimed left  her fearing for her life.

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In a candid interview during promo duties for his new movie The Beaver – for which he is winning critical acclaim – Mel refutes allegations that he is a racist or misogynist.

"I've never treated anyone badly or in a discriminatory way," he insists. Adding, "I don't blame some people for thinking that though."

And regarding his rants against ex-girlfriend Oksana, the 56-year-old Oscar winner describes them as "one awful moment in time. [They don't] represent what I believe or how I've treated people my entire life."