Your tip
RadarOnlineRadarOnline
BREAKING NEWS

Mel Gibson’s Lawyer Changes Judge

Apr. 17 2009, Published 8:09 a.m. ET

Link to FacebookShare to XShare to Email

Mel Gibson’s lawyer, Bob Kaufman, has filed papers to oust the judge assigned to his client’s high-profile divorce from wife Robyn. The judge originally assigned to the case was Rafael Ongkeko. Ongkeko, who is of Filipino descent, is an active proponent of diversity in the courts and his community and was appointed to the Los Angeles County Superior Court in 2003.

Kaufman’s filing claimed that Gibson "cannot have a fair and impartial trial or hearing before Judge Ongkeko." No further details were included. Each side in the preceedings has the right to nix a judge in the case, but have only ten days to do so.

MORE ON:
Hollywood
Article continues below advertisement

Judge Frederick Shaller is now on the case RadarOnline has confirmed, but it’s almost certain that a high-stakes, celebrity divorce like this one will be heard by a private judge—behind closed doors—in the end.

(Photo: Retna)

Advertisement

DAILY. BREAKING. CELEBRITY NEWS. ALL FREE.

Opt-out of personalized ads

© Copyright 2024 RADAR ONLINE™️. A DIVISION OF EMPIRE MEDIA GROUP INC. RADAR ONLINE is a registered trademark. All rights reserved. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service, Privacy Policy and Cookies Policy. People may receive compensation for some links to products and services. Offers may be subject to change without notice.