Russell Crowe defends confronting autograph seekers outside Paris hotel

Russell Crowe defended himself after he issued a stern warning to fans seeking autographs outside his Paris hotel.

The “Gladiator” star responded to TMZ’s video of the incident on X Tuesday, calling it “clickbait.”

Crowe, 62, then insisted that “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,” Crowe added. “What’s your problem?”

In the video, Crowe warned autograph hunters he’d abandon the impromptu meet and greet if just one person acted like a “d–k.”

“Are you listening?” Crowe asked. “Stay where you are, don’t f–king push in on me. I’ll come to you. Give everyone space.”

As the Oscar winner signed memorabilia in the crowd, one fan asked Crowe if he could also write his “Gladiator” character Maximus’ name.

“No,” Crowe bluntly replied, before moving on to greet other fans.

TMZ tweeted the video and wrote, “If you needed a reminder that fans are not always priority No. 1 — turn to Russell Crowe — cause the guy was absolutely not having it outside of his Paris hotel.”

Crowe previously spoke about regretting his own bad behavior in a 2024 GQ interview.

“I’m in awe of people these days who say, ‘I have no regrets,’” he said at the time. “I’ve got a s–t ton of regrets. An angry word, an overreaction, a missed opportunity for friendship — lots of things like that.” 

He called his regrets “badges of honor” and noted he’s learned to change his behavior 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 dick, mate. Do your best not to be a f—ing dick like that again,’” Crowe shared.

Crowe went to Paris with his 42-year-old girlfriend, Britney Theriot, and they attended the opening day of the French Open tennis championships on Sunday.

The “Robin Hood” actor wore a navy suit, gray waistcoat, light blue tie and shades, while Theriot rocked a black blazer, white shirt and minimal jewelry, including a chunky watch.

Crowe notably tried to catch a tennis ball during Alexander Zverev and Benjamin Bonzi’s match.

After he grabbed the ball and stood up, he yelled, “Are you not entertained?,” a nod to a famous scene in “Gladiator.”