Russell Crowe has hit back after a video went viral of him giving a stern warning to fans waiting for him outside his Paris Hotel.
The New Zealand-born actor warned autograph hunters he’d stop the impromptu meet and greet if just one person acted like a “d–k” in the video, which has been circulating online.
But in a post on X, formerly Twitter, the Gladiator star has defended himself and branded the clip “clickbait”.
“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. What’s your problem?” he wrote.
The comment from Crowe was a reply to TMZ’s post of the video shared on the social platform.
In the clip he emerged from the hotel to a crowd of fans waiting for him and he set the ground rules as soon as he started to sign things.
“Stay where you are. Don’t f—ing push in on me. I’ll come to you. Give everyone space,” he warned the fans at one point.
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The interaction left fans divided online, with some praising Crowe for setting the boundaries, while others branded it disrespectful to the people who actually made him famous.
But when it comes to his own bad behaviour, Crowe has previously addressed it in a 2024 interview with GQ.
“I’m in awe of people these days who say, ‘I have no regrets,'” he told the publication.
“I’ve got a shit ton of regrets. An angry word, an overreaction, a missed opportunity for friendship – lots of things like that.”
Crowe referred to his regrets as “badges of honour” and noted he’s learned to change his behaviour when he’s in the wrong.
“Having the ability to have that introspection and go, ‘You know, the other day you were a f—ing d–k, mate. Do your best not to be a f—ing d–k like that again,'” Crowe shared.
Crowe’s visit to Paris included an appearance at the French Open on Sunday at Stade Roland Garros.
He was joined by girlfriend Britney Theriot as they watched Alexander Zverev of Germany and Benjamin Bonzi of France battle it out, with Zverev winning the round.
At one point during the game, Crowe showed off his own sporting prowess in an incredible moment, catching a stray ball that went flying into the crowd.
He proudly held the ball after the catch, showing it off to those around him as a staffer took a photo of the wild moment.
