Depardieu and Paparazzi Settle 2024 Assault Case

A high-profile legal battle between French actor Gérard Depardieu and veteran Italian photographer Rino Barillari has reached a quiet conclusion. The two have settled a case stemming from a 2024 confrontation in Rome, effectively ending the dispute.

The conflict began when Barillari, often referred to as the King of the Paparazzi, filed a formal complaint against the actor. The legal proceedings had been ongoing for months, capturing media attention due to the prominence of both individuals involved.

The dispute originated in Rome in 2024, during an attempt by Barillari to photograph Depardieu and his partner, Magda Varvusova. According to Barillari's account, the situation escalated quickly when the actor reacted to the photography.

Barillari, who is 80 years old, provided a detailed account of the alleged assault during a judicial hearing. He stated that Depardieu physically attacked him while he was attempting to capture images.

"Me arañó la cara" (He scratched my face).

Barillari further alleged that the actor then delivered two or three punches while making a derogatory comment about Italians. The photographer claimed Depardieu shouted in French that "los italianos son gente de mierda" (Italians are shitty people).

The case moved through the Italian judicial system, culminating in a hearing in October. Despite the seriousness of the allegations, Depardieu maintained a notable absence from the proceedings.

The actor did not appear in person at the tribunal in the Italian capital for any of the court sessions. The legal mechanism for the case's conclusion was the withdrawal of the formal complaint by the plaintiff.

Barillari explicitly stated that his decision to drop the charges was a direct result of an apology from the actor. This procedural move allowed the court to close the file without a final verdict on the assault allegations.

The conflict was resolved through an agreement between the two parties. Barillari confirmed that the settlement was contingent on Depardieu's expression of regret for the incident.

The photographer's statement regarding the resolution was clear and direct. He attributed the end of the legal action to the actor's gesture of contrition.

"Hoy he retirado la denuncia porque alguien ha pedido perdón" (Today I have withdrawn the complaint because someone has asked for forgiveness).

This settlement brings a definitive end to the public dispute. The terms of the agreement between Depardieu and Barillari remain private, but the legal case is now officially closed.

The resolution of this case marks a significant moment for both individuals. For Rino Barillari, it concludes a chapter where he sought justice for an alleged physical attack. For Gérard Depardieu, it resolves a legal threat that could have resulted in serious consequences.

The incident highlights the ongoing tension between public figures and the press, particularly the aggressive tactics of paparazzi. While the legal battle is over, the event remains a notable example of the conflicts that can arise in the high-stakes world of celebrity photography.