The 54-year-old actor - who has been accused of domestic violence against Oksana Grigorieva, the mother of his nine-month-old daughter Lucia - met with detectives on Sunday (25.07.10) to discuss claims the Russian singer tried to get money from him.

Mel has claimed Oksana only released explosive audio tapes - documenting their vicious arguments and the alleged attacks made by the Hollywood star - after he refused her apparent demands for cash.

Los Angeles County Sheriff`s Department spokesman Steve Whitmore confirmed that detectives had met with Mel to discuss his allegations.

Whitmore explained: "It was not for the domestic violence investigation, it was just for the extortion."

The `Braveheart` actor does not have to discuss Oksana`s claims based on his Fifth Amendment rights against self-incrimination.

During the meeting, Mel and his lawyer submitted "physical evidence" -- including emails and texts - to make the case against Oksana. Meanwhile, a photograph of Oksana with a black eye after an alleged fight with Mel has surfaced on the internet.

The close-up shot, which shows the 40-year-old beauty with deep bruises around her left eye, was reportedly taken in January after a heated argument with Mel.

Mel is now facing a criminal investigation on domestic battery charges by the Los Angeles County Sheriff`s Department and is part of a Department of Children and Family Services investigation.
sections: Celebrities