A Russian snagged Mel Gibson

Apr 15, 2009, 9:15 GMT

Russian pop star Oksana Pochepa claims she is having a relationship with the \'Lethal Weapon\' star - whose wife of 28 years, Robyn Gibson, filed for divorce on Friday (10.04.09) - and believes their love will last. EPA/HOW HWEE

Mel Gibson's alleged lover says their romance is "serious".

Russian pop star Oksana Pochepa claims she is having a relationship with the 'Lethal Weapon' star - whose wife of 28 years, Robyn Gibson, filed for divorce on Friday (10.04.09) - and believes their love will last.

The 24-year-old beauty said: "This is serious and I hope that our union will be real and strong and long-lasting.

"We are different people, but Mel is a grown man and knows precisely what he wants and me too - I know what I want."

The 53-year-old Hollywood star and his wife Robyn, 52 - who have seven children together, including nine-year-old Thomas - both listed "irreconcilable differences" as the reason for their separation at Los Angeles Superior Court.

Their marriage had reportedly been under strain recently, when photographs emerged last month of the actor kissing a blonde woman resembling Oksana - who first hit the Russian music charts aged 13 - on a beach in Costa Rica.

Oksana also alleges she visited Mel on the set of his movie 'Edge of Darkness' last August.

However, the blonde singer says the pair are unwilling to discuss further details of their romance at the moment.

She added to Britain's The Sun newspaper: "I would not like to say more right now."

It was previously reported Mel had been romancing pianist Oksana Kolesnikova, after rumours emerged "a Russian musician called Oksana" was involved in the divorce.

However, the 31-year-old married classical star has vehemently denied the claims.

She said: "I have no idea how this mistake has been made. I feel very upset. The only explanation is that the names Oksana have been confused. It is a popular name in Russia."

Mel - who is a devout Catholic - has always denied affair allegations.

A statement released on Monday (13.04.09) confirmed his marital break-up. It said: "Throughout our marriage and separation we have always strived to maintain the privacy and integrity of our family and will continue to do so."

Robyn - who married the star in 1980, shortly after his breakthrough movie 'Mad Max' - could be entitled to half of Mel's £640 million fortune which includes a £26 million Catholic church in California, a private island in Fiji, a ranch in Costa Rica and several properties in Malibu.

Robyn is seeking joint custody of their youngest son, as well as spousal support and legal fees.