Erin Brockovich Explains Bruises in Mug Shot

Erin Brockovich is opening up about her arrest last month for drunken boating and explains why her face appeared to have bruises in the mug shot released to the media.

When asked about the evidence of bruising in the arrest photo taken June 7, the 53-year-old environmental activist revealed to Katie Couric for an upcoming episode of Katie that it was the result of a plastic surgery procedure. "I had recently a nine-hour surgery -- I had my lower eyes done -- and I still has bruising underneath. So that's what that looked like."

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Concerning the DUI arrest issued after she failed a field sobriety test while boating at Lake Mead near Las Vegas, Brockovich insisted that she currently does not have a drinking problem."Oh no, I don't, I absolutely do not," she said. "I'm glad you asked that question, I would think it's appropriate and people would. I monitor that situation because of what happened with my children."

Brockovich offered an apology days after the incident. "At no time was the boat away from the dock and there was no public safety risk," she said in a statement. "That being said, I take drunk driving very seriously, this was clearly a big mistake. I know better and I am very sorry," she added.

RELATED: Erin Brockovich Apologizes for Driving Boat Drunk

The full interview with Brockovich  will air Tuesday July 9 on Katie.