Former Oksana Grigorieva Bodyguard: Team Mel All the Way!

Oksana Grigorieva's ex-bodyguard Kristian Herzog has had some rough things to say about Mel Gibson in the past ... like how Mel wanted him dead.

Now, though, the guy who likely knows the most about Oksana's claims against Mel says she's exaggerating or downright lying about violence.

Herzog, who served as her bodyguard until recently, and who may or may not have nailed Oksana, says she admitted to him Mel never punched her.

Rather, Herzog says Oksana told him Mel slapped her. That's it. Gibson admits slapping Oksana, claiming he was trying to protect daughter Lucia.

Herzog, who's been subpoenaed by Mel's lawyers in the couple's custody fight, also says she had a motive for secretly recording Mel Gibson rants.

That motive, simply, was "to pressure Mel to pay her money."

Grigorieva reached a $15 million settlement with Mel, but then backed out at the last minute. Soon after, the tapes leaked online, one after another.

Oksana, who claims she recorded Mel because she feared for her life, is being investigated by the L.A. County Sheriff's Department for extortion.

Who knows if Kristian is the least bit reliable, but it's interesting that he's come out against Oksana with such damning claims.