Mel Gibson sought death by cop after wife Robyn left him

It has emerged that Mel Gibson sought 'death by cop' after his wife Robyn left him.

According to Vanity Fair, Gibson started drinking again on location of Apocalypto in 2006 and returned home to LA to find Robyn had moved out with their children.

Soon after, he infamously ranted slurs at a police officer who arrested him on suspicion of driving under the influence following a drinking session at Moon shadows in Malibu

"He felt that he had just absolutely failed as a human being. Mel was trying to invite death by cop. I don't think this was being anti-Semitic. I think he was trying to rile that guy into pulling out a gun and shooting him," The New York Post quoted a friend, as telling Vanity Fair. 

The friend said Gibson had 'said goodbye to every table' in the restaurant before leaving.

"I believe what was going on that night was a farewell," the friend added.