Mel Gibson’s girlfriend revealed to be Jewish; actor/director offers to convert to Judaism

A little research into the family tree of Oksana Grigorieva, girlfriend of soon-to-be-divorcing actor/director Mel Gibson, reveals one startling detail.

Through her father’s side, Grigorieva is Jewish.

The Russian beauty’s paternal grandfather’s birthname was Davidov, a classic Russian-Jewish surname. It was later changed to Chernuha to avoid anti-Semitism.

Grigorieva is actually her mother’s surname.

“Learning [that I’m Jewish] is a very pleasant surprise,” Grigorieva said, adding she intends to become an observant Jew with her beliefs somewhere between conservative and reformed.

Gibson’s drunken anti-Semitic tirade made many in Hollywood wonder if he harbors any ill feelings toward Jews, especially since his father, Hutton, denies the existence of the Holocaust.

Does his girlfriend’s Judaism bother him?

“Not at all,” said a spokesperson for the actor. “Mel has even offered to convert to Judaism–if and when they make plans to marry.”

Gibson, a Roman Catholic, is currently divorcing his wife, Robyn, after more than 25 years of marriage.