To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web
browser that
supports HTML5
video
Russell Crowe has spoken out after he was spotted giving a stern, expletive-filled talk to fans waiting for autographs.
The Les Misérables star, 62, put on the harsh display outside a hotel in Paris where he was attending the French Open over the weekend.
On the doorstep to the establishment were a gaggle of his admirers holding paraphernalia for some of his biggest projects, including hit movies like Gladiator, in the hopes of it being signed by the screen star.
Laying down the law to the group, he said: ‘Are you listening?
‘Stay where you are. Don’t f***ing push in on me. I’ll come to you. Give everyone space,’ the Oscar winner scolded.
Then warned: ‘As soon as somebody is a d***, I’m gone. You got me?’
As Russell later explained on social media, he had no security, and those waiting were quick to say ‘yes sir’ as he approached to start signing autographs.
Taking to X this morning to explain the situation, he wrote: ‘Everybody got their autograph and selfie, the passage to the hotel was kept free for guests, and I still got to the airport on time. One man, no security. Handled.’
The Hollywood star has had unpleasant past experiences with fans, however. In 2024, he was ‘forced to flee’ his show in London after one of his reps allegedly got into a heated argument with autograph hunters queued outside of the venue.
According to an eyewitness at the time, the scene turned nasty ‘out of nowhere’ after one overzealous fan began pushing, leading to a brawl and police showing up.
The incident may go some way in explaining Russell’s unflinching warning for fans outside the hotel.
What’s more, the actor is well-known for his blunt nature.
Last month, it was reported that he told his friend Nicole Kidman ‘not to dive headfirst into a new relationship to fill the void’ after her divorce from husband Keith Urban.
No doubt drawing from his own experience after his divorce from his partner in 2018.
Meanwhile, in December last year, he delivered his less-than-impressed verdict on Gladiator II, which starred Paul Mescal in the lead role.
He told an Australian radio station: ‘I think the recent sequel that, you know, we don’t have to name out loud, is a really unfortunate example of even the people in that engine room not actually understanding what made the first one special.’
He continued: ‘It wasn’t the pomp. It wasn’t the circumstance. It wasn’t the action. It was the moral core,’ something he didn’t believe the sequel delivered on.
Russell is not the only high-profile figure setting firm boundaries with fans. In fact, singer Chappell Roan sparked plenty of discourse after saying she was left ‘scared and creeped out’ by some fans’ behaviour.
Earlier this year, she was caught up in a controversy after she was accused of making Jorginho Frello’s 11-year-old daughter cry, claiming the singer had sent her security guard to warn the girl not to ‘harass’ her.
Chappell firmly denied this was the case, and Jorginho later released a statement confirming the Good Luck Babe hitmaker was not involved in the incident.
Metro has reached out to Russell Crowe’s representative for comment.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.