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Gérard Depardieu Accused of Assaulting Paparazzo in Rome
In a scene reminiscent of Fellini's "La Dolce Vita," French actor Gérard Depardieu, 75, allegedly assaulted renowned Roman paparazzi Rino Barillari, 79, outside Harry's Bar on Rome's Via Veneto. The altercation, which reportedly involved multiple punches, unfolded on Tuesday afternoon and has sparked a flurry of conflicting reports and police investigations.
Conflicting Accounts of the Incident
While both Barillari and Depardieu's companion, Magda Vavrusova, have filed police reports, their accounts differ significantly. Barillari claims he was repeatedly punched by Depardieu after being asked to stop taking photos. Vavrusova's lawyer, Delphine Meillet, counters that Barillari aggressively pushed Vavrusova, prompting Depardieu's intervention. Eyewitness accounts, including that of journalist Gianni Riotta, support Barillari’s version of events, describing Depardieu as repeatedly hitting the photographer. The owner of Harry's Bar confirmed the incident but declined to comment further.
Barillari: The "King of Paparazzi"
Rino Barillari, known as the "king of paparazzi," has a long and storied career documenting celebrities in Rome. His biography boasts encounters with numerous stars and decades of experience navigating the often-tense relationship between photographers and their subjects. This incident, however, marks a particularly violent turn in his career, adding to his already considerable list of injuries sustained while on the job.
Depardieu's Legal Troubles
This incident follows recent sexual assault allegations against Depardieu in France. He is scheduled to stand trial in October on those charges, which he denies. The Rome altercation further adds to the scrutiny surrounding the actor and his public image.
Ongoing Investigation
Roman police are investigating the incident, gathering evidence including surveillance footage. The outcome of the investigation and any potential charges against Depardieu remain uncertain. The incident underscores the ongoing tensions between celebrities and paparazzi, highlighting the complexities of navigating public life in the age of social media and relentless photographic pursuit.
