Mel Gibson Finally Breaks His Silence About His Leaked Audio Rant To Oksana And More!

 Speaking out for the very first time about the HEATED audio recordings between himself and ex-girlfriend Oksana Grigorieva that leaked onto the Internet last summer, Oscar winner Mel Gibson has finally broken his silence to Deadline:

"I've never treated anyone badly or in a discriminatory way based on their gender, race, religion or sexuality -- period. I don't blame some people for thinking that though, from the garbage they heard on those leaked tapes, which have been edited. You have to put it all in the proper context of being in an irrationally, heated discussion at the height of a breakdown, trying to get out of a really unhealthy relationship. It's one terribly, awful moment in time, said to one person, in the span of one day and doesn't represent what I truly believe or how I've treated people my entire life."

I can understand that. We've all said HORRIBLE things in the midst of a heated argument! BUT, Mel Gibson has to understand that many people will NEVER understand or accept his apology. In fact, lots of people have written him off for it.

Asked if he ever thought the hate-filled conversations would end up on the Internet, Gibson sighed and shook his head, saying, "Who anticipates being recorded? Who anticipates that? Who could anticipate such a personal betrayal?"

"I was allowed to end the case and still maintain my innocence. It's called a West plea and it's not something that prosecutors normally allow. But in my case, the prosecutors and the judge agreed that it was the right thing to do," the actor said. "I could have continued to fight this for years and it probably would have come out fine. But I ended it for my children and my family. This was going to be such a circus. You don't drag other people in your life through this sewer needlessly, so I'll take the hit and move on."

He also goes on to praise Whoopi Goldberg for being a loyal friend to him in the midst of the controversy:

"I knew Whoopi before she was Whoopi. And, as she's great and I always liked her and loved her," he said. "I like her even more now because she got it."

Lastly, he opened up about other people not coming to his defense:

"That doesn't bother me. Why would anyone want to speak publicly and drag themselves through this crap? It seems to add fuel to the fire. Very many people are supportive, of course, but you find out who your friends are. I have many friends and they've been great."

It's gonna take A LOT of time, Mr. Gibson. Ask Chris Brown.....