Clash Between Gérard Depardieu and Paparazzo Rino Barillari in Rome
In an incident that has reverberated through the entertainment world, French actor Gérard Depardieu and renowned paparazzo Rino Barillari clashed violently over unauthorized photographs taken at a prestigious restaurant in Rome. The altercation took place on Tuesday, May 22, at Harry's Bar, located on the iconic Via Veneto. According to witnesses and initial reports, the skirmish unfolded when Barillari, 79, tried to capture photographs of Depardieu, who was dining with friends, leading to an aggressive confrontation.
Barillari, often referred to as the 'king of the paparazzi,' alleged that the actor's partner, Magda Vavrusova, initially tried to block him by throwing ice and kicking him. The situation escalated quickly when Depardieu himself intervened, reportedly punching Barillari three times in the face and throwing him to the ground. Barillari, who sustained injuries, was subsequently hospitalized and has expressed his intent to file a complaint against the actor. 'My head hurts, I'm not 15 years old anymore,' stated Barillari, who bears the scars of numerous altercations with celebrities throughout his career.
Historical Context of Celebrity-Paparazzi Conflicts
Harry's Bar and Via Veneto have a storied legacy from the dolce vita era, a time when celebrities like Ava Gardner, Anita Ekberg, Audrey Hepburn, and Frank Sinatra were frequent patrons. Confrontations between celebrities and paparazzi were once a common spectacle on these streets, enhancing Rome's reputation as a focal point for celebrity culture. However, such altercations had become rare in modern times until this recent incident involving Depardieu and Barillari reignited memories of that bygone era.
Contrary to Barillari's account, Depardieu's lawyer maintained that it was Barillari who initiated the physical aggression. According to their version, the photographer pushed Vavrusova aggressively, prompting Depardieu to intervene defensively, accidentally falling on Barillari during the tussle. The police have been called to investigate and are examining CCTV footage to ascertain the sequence of events accurately.
This isn't the first violent encounter for Barillari, who has faced 163 visits to the emergency room, 11 broken ribs, and numerous other injuries across his decades-long career. Similarly, Depardieu's reputation has been marred by several allegations of sexual assault and misconduct. He is scheduled to stand trial in October for alleged sexual assaults committed in 2021.
- The scuffle attracted significant media attention, not just because of Depardieu's stature in French cinema but also due to Barillari's colorful history with celebrities. The photographer has had notorious run-ins with various luminaries such as Peter O'Toole, Mickey Rourke, and Bruce Willis, which only adds to the sensational nature of this latest event.
- Reactions to the incident have been polarized. While some criticize Barillari for his intrusive methods, others condemn Depardieu for his alleged aggressive response. The debate continues to unfold across social media, echoing the complex relationship between celebrities and the paparazzi culture.
- Eyewitness accounts vary, with some supporting Barillari's tale of unprovoked violence, while others claim to have seen the photographer act recklessly. The owner of Harry's Bar, Piero Lepore, corroborated Barillari's version, describing the confrontation as both surprising and reminiscent of the old days of celebrity drama in Rome.
