'She is an adult and we dig each other': Mel Gibson, 60, discusses his romance with girlfriend Rosalind Ross, 26, who is expecting his NINTH child

Published: 01:10 GMT, 5 November 2016 | Updated: 01:27 GMT, 5 November 2016

e-mail

303

View
comments

Their relationship has faced a lot of backlash for the wide age gap.

But Mel Gibson, 60, has vehemently defended his romance with former equestrian vaulter Rosalind Ross, 26, who is expecting his ninth child.

The Lethal Weapon star told The Mirror: 'Regarding age and relationships, it's just a number. We dig each other.'

Scroll down for video

Controversial: Mel Gibson, 60, has vehemently defended his romance with former equestrian vaulter Rosalind Ross, 26, (pictured together in May) who is expecting his ninth child

Speaking about Rosalind, who he has been dating for two years, he added: 'She is an adult and we dig each other.

'It might cause a problem and one has a trepidation about these things, but it's working out great. She is a really special person.'

The former vaulting champ was first spotted with Gibson, in July and has since become a regular fixture at his side.

However, close friend and former vaulting partner Devon Maitozo says the 'private' Rosalind has found dealing with the 'negative attention' that has accompanied her new relationship difficult and now just wants to 'get on with her life'.

Adamant: The Lethal Weapon star told The Mirror: 'Regarding age and relationships, it's just a number. We dig each other.'

New romance: Speaking about Rosalind, who he has been dating for two years, he said: 'She is an adult and we dig each other'

Speaking exclusively to Daily Mail Online, Maitozo, 33, added: 'There's been a lot of very not very nice media that's been written about her. Sifting through it has not been very pleasant at all.

'Sensationalizing her because of her relationships is not what she's looking for.

Ross and Gibson are believed to have met last spring when she applied for a job at his production company Icon.

According to Radar Online, love then blossomed during a visit to the 60-year-old's 500-acre Costa Rica ranch.

'They started their romantic getaway in Costa Rica, hiding out in Playa Barrigona, where he owns a 500-acre tropical sanctuary in the middle of the jungle, before heading to Panama. It's clear the two of them are really happy together,' a source told the website.

Past loves: The Passion Of The Christ star has already fathered a daughter with Oksana Grigorieva, who was 14 years his junior

Since then, the two have been virtually inseparable, with Ross joining the actor on vacation in Sydney last August and visiting him on the set of Hacksaw Ridge – a World War II drama – last November.

The Passion Of The Christ star has already fathered a daughter with Oksana Grigorieva, who was 14 years his junior.

He began an affair with her while still married to his wife of almost 30 years Robyn Moore - who he divorced in 2009 after a three-year separation.

Mel has seven children with ex-wife Robyn - Hannah, 36, twin boys Christian and Edward, 34, William, 31, Louis, 28, Milo, 26, and Thomas, 17.

Former flames: He began an affair with Oksana while still married to his wife of almost 30 years Robyn Moore - who he divorced in 2009 after a three-year separation

He also has a six-year-old daughter, Lucia, with Oksana.

Mel hit the headlines after unleashing a rage-filled outburst at Oksana, the mother of his youngest child, blasting her with racist and misogynistic slurs.

After the media outcry following his outburst, which he called 'the worst moment' of his life, he retreated to his Catholic church.

He also spent time praying, going to therapy twice a week and getting counselling.

After a ten-year exile from the industry, he is back in Hollywood with his combat saga Hacksaw Ridge - which was well-received at the Venice Film Festival.

The story follows a pacifist who is caught up in World War Two - the first film Mel has directed since Apocalypto ten years ago.

Expanding his brood: Mel has seven children with ex-wife Robyn - Hannah, 36, twin boys Christian and Edward, 34, William, 31, Louis, 28, Milo, 26, and Thomas, 17