Mel Gibson's stepmother Teddy Joye Hicks Gibson has filed to get a restraining order against the Hollywood star.

Teddy, who has been married to Mel's father Hutton Gibson for over 10 years, claims that the actor spit in her face and exploded on her several times.

The 78-year-old now claims to be fearful for her own personal safety, according to legal documents obtained by TMZ.

"Mel began yelling and saying, f**k this and f**k that' while leveling other extremely offensive language at me," Joye alleges.

She also claims that Mel got very upset when she refused food that he had cooked and on one occasion screamed so close to her that she "could feel his spit hitting my face."

Joye said she was so paralysed with fear during one confrontation that she later vomited.

The elderly woman wants Mel to stay 100 yards away from her at all times. A judge has now set the matter for a full hearing next month rather than issuing a temporary restraining order.