Gerard Depardieu Accused of Attacking Paparazzi in Rome
French actor Gérard Depardieu is embroiled in controversy after allegedly attacking renowned paparazzi Rino Barillari in Rome. The incident occurred on Tuesday, May 21, when Barillari attempted to photograph Depardieu and his partner, Magda Vavrusova, while they were at a bar on Via Veneto. The 79-year-old Barillari, known as the 'king of the paparazzi,' claimed that Depardieu punched him three times in the face, leaving him in a state of shock and necessitating hospital treatment.
Depardieu's lawyer, Delphine Meillet, offered a different version of events, stating that it was Barillari who first exhibited aggression. According to her, Barillari pushed Vavrusova violently, prompting Depardieu to intervene and, in the resulting scuffle, 'lose his balance' and 'fall' onto the paparazzi. Vavrusova also claimed to have been the victim of 'extreme violence' during this encounter, alleging that Barillari's actions were invasive and inappropriate.
Witness Disputes Depardieu's Account
The differing accounts of the altercation have created a controversy, with Italian journalist Gianni Riotta standing firmly against Depardieu's version of events. Riotta, who witnessed the incident, described Depardieu's actions as deliberate and aggressive, directly conflicting with the actor's claims of accidental contact. Riotta stated that Depardieu 'hit Barillari' and added that the attack left the photographer 'bleeding profusely.’ With the police investigating the incident, both parties have shown their intent to pursue legal action.
Legal Troubles for Gérard Depardieu
This incident adds to the growing legal troubles for Gérard Depardieu, who is scheduled to face trial in October 2024 for sexual assault charges stemming from allegations made by actress Charlotte Arnould. Since 2020, Depardieu has been under indictment for 'rape' and 'sexual assault,' and several other complaints have been filed against the 75-year-old actor, further tainting his career. The confluence of these allegations and the Rome incident may signal a turbulent period ahead for Depardieu, a once-revered figure in French cinema.
- Rino Barillari is a well-known figure in the paparazzi world, having photographed numerous celebrities over the decades, from Liz Taylor to Claudia Cardinale. His confrontation with Depardieu has brought renewed attention to the often-contentious relationship between celebrities and paparazzi.
- The incident at Harry’s Bar on Via Veneto is reminiscent of the tension that has historically characterized La Dolce Vita in Rome. Scenes like these underscore the challenges public figures face regarding privacy and press freedom. The situation has also evoked discussions on the conduct of paparazzi and their impact on the lives of celebrities.
