Gerard Depardieu embroiled in altercation with paparazzi 'king' at iconic Rome bar
Renowned French actor Gerard Depardieu and partner Magda Vavrusova reportedly engaged in a confrontation with Rino Barillari, the famed paparazzo, following an incident of being photographed at the historic Harry's Bar in Rome.
French actor Gerard Depardieu has been accused of attacking celebrity photographer Rino Barillari outside Harry’s Bar on the famed Via Veneto in Rome, in a scene reminiscent of La Dolce Vita era.
Depardieu was dining at an outdoor table with a female companion and two other people around 2 p.m. local time on Tuesday when Barillari – known as “the king” in Roman press circles – apparently snapped the diners, according to Italian media reports.
Both sides have conflicting stories about what happened next, but they both claim to have filed police reports, locally known as denouncements.
Barillari, who is 79 years old, stated that Depardieu's partner, Magda Vavrusova, suddenly started punching him. Barillari's lawyer, as reported in various Italian media outlets, including the Messaggero newspaper where Barillari is employed, mentioned that Depardieu later joined in the altercation.
CNN was informed by the police that a complaint was filed by a local photographer regarding an incident at Harry's Bar on Tuesday. The names of the individuals involved were not disclosed.
The owner of Harry's Bar in Rome, Piero Lepore, confirmed to CNN that the incident did indeed take place, but he did not assign blame.
Barillari is known for taking photos of famous people dining at the restaurant, which was featured in the 1960 film "La Dolce Vita" directed by Federico Fellini. The character Paparazzo in the movie is said to have inspired the term "paparazzi."
Gerard Depardieu's eminent status in France has only amplified the controversy over accusations of sexual offenses by no fewer than 20 women, Caroline Séquin writes.
Gerard Depardieu's reputation in France has been called into question due to allegations of sexual misconduct by at least 20 women, according to Caroline Séquin.
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"We haven't had any physical fights here in twenty years," Lepore mentioned in a phone conversation with CNN. "This kind of situation is very rare in our area. We are accustomed to seeing celebrities and paparazzi around - they seem to go hand in hand. However, these violent altercations are a new occurrence for us."
Lepore declined to provide further information when asked, explaining that due to Barillari's public condemnation, he was unable to elaborate. "I have already given my statement to the authorities. I am not at liberty to discuss any additional details at this time."
Barillari was transported to the hospital in an ambulance, as reported by Lepore.
According to Magda Vavrusova's lawyer, Delphine Meillet, it was Barillari who allegedly pushed Vavrusova. Meillet stated to CNN that Vavrusova filed a report with Rome police, claiming, "The photographer pushed me, touching my torso and chest with his arm. At the time of making this complaint, I am still experiencing pain from the incident, which was very violent."
Meillet mentioned to the news agency that Vavrusova was in the hospital, but there was no confirmation from the University Policlinico Umberto if she was a patient. Meillet also stated that Depardieu had rushed to help after the photographer assaulted his companion and accidentally fell on him.
CNN has contacted Depardieu's lawyer for a response.
Rome police are currently searching for surveillance footage in the area.
According to his biography, Barillari began his career as a celebrity paparazzi at the age of 16. He started by selling photos of celebrities at the Trevi Fountain to different news outlets.
French actor Gerard Depardieu is seen here posing during a photocall for the second season of the French TV show "Marseille." The show is broadcasted and co-produced by US streaming video giant Netflix. This photo was taken on February 18, 2018 in Marseille, southern France. 
Anne-Christine Poujoulat/AFP/Getty Images
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French actor Gérard Depardieu is set to go on trial for accusations of sexual assault. In a documentary celebrating his 70th birthday nine years ago, he revealed that he had visited the emergency room 200 times due to attacks from people.
He became Rome’s most infamous paparazzi, capturing images of popes, presidents, and celebrities like Sylvester Stallone, Sharon Stone, Liz Taylor, and Frank Sinatra, as mentioned in his biography.
Living in Piazza Navona, where he also has a photo studio, he has endured 82 broken cameras, 11 broken ribs, and a broken femur while photographing a local celebrity reportedly assaulting his girlfriend.
Depardieu’s recent altercation with Barillari follows a statement from the Paris prosecutor’s office to CNN last month. The office announced that the renowned French actor, famous for his roles in movies like “Green Card” and “Life of Pi,” is set to go on trial in October for alleged sexual assault incidents during the filming of “Les Volets Verts” in 2021.
In addition to the upcoming trial, Depardieu is under formal investigation for suspicions of rape and sexual assault involving actress Charlotte Arnould. These alleged incidents reportedly took place in August 2018. Despite the accusations, the actor has firmly denied all claims of rape and sexual assault.
