Fears raised over health of actor Gerard Depardieu after he arrives in Rome in a wheelchair
Fears have been raised for the health of French actor Gerard Depardieu after he arrived in Rome in a wheelchair.
The actor, 63, who recently renounced his citizenship after publicly slamming the introduction of a new top rate of tax in France was wheeled out of Caimpino Airport in Rome by an aide.
Just a couple of days ago he was seen riding a scooter in his native country as he stocked up on cheese, but as he rested at a cafe, he clearly looked in some distress.
Taking a snooze: Gerard was seen stocking on French cheese after he renounced new French tax laws
The start of a new life? Gerard arrives in Rome after stocking up on French cheese in Paris, sparking rumours he is leaving his homeland for good
Pain: The actor appeared to be in pain as he was transported to a waiting car by wheelchair, with partner Clementine Igou
Take a pew: Gerard looked out of sorts in Paris as he took a rest after riding his scooter to the shops
Provoking more speculation that the actor's health is suffering, he looked in bad way as he woke from a brief nap.
The Asterix actor seemed to be in pain as he was wheeled from the airport to his car by two members of staff who helped him into the car.
The actor has weathered his share of personal tragedy in recent years. His only son Guillaume died of pneumonia at the age of 37.
Guilliaume, who was also an actor was a lifelong drug addict and an hospital infection forced the amputation of his right leg five years before he died.
In his autobiography he described his father, with whom he had a fractious relationship, 'as a money-obsessed alcoholic who was largely absent from his childhood'.
He also revealed that he had been a male prostitute and gigolo.
The younger M. Depardieu also served two jail sentences for theft and drugs offences as a youth.
The pair had fallen out but reconciled before his death.
At present it's unclear whether the actor, famous for his roles as Cyrano de Bergerac and Astérix the Gaul’s sidekick Obélix, is just on a short break in Rome or if he is on his way to Belguim, where he reportedly plans to settle.
In an angry letter, published in Le Journal du Dimanche newspaper, Mr Depardieu said he had been 'insulted' by France's Prime Minister Mr Ayrault who called him 'pathetic' for wanting to leave France for Belgium to avoid the new 75 per cent top rate of tax.
In need of help: The actor seems unable to help himself out of his chair as he arrives at his car
Mr Depardieu wrote: 'I was born in 1948.
'I started working aged 14, as a printer, as a warehouseman, then as an actor, and I’ve always paid my taxes.'
Over 45 years, Depardieu said, he had paid 145 million euros in tax, and to this day employs 80 people.
Last year he paid taxes amounting to 85 per cent of his income.
Deteriorating: Gerard doesn't look well as he tries to get himself into the waiting car
Helping hand: The actor has to be helped out of his wheelchair and into his car, unable to get up on his own
In a bad way: It takes two men to help the star into the car after
'I am neither worthy of pity nor admirable, but I shall not be called 'pathetic’,' he concluded, saying that he was sending back his French passport.
Under French President François Hollande’s tough new budget measures to tackle a €37million deficit, France will tax income over €1million at 75 per cent of January 1.
The Belgian Foreign Minister has given carte blanche to anyone planning to follow in Gerard Depardieu's footsteps and move to Belgium in an attempt to escape higher French taxes.
'If other French people want to come to Belgium, I'm not at all opposed,' Didier Reynders said in an interview with Le Figaro.
Struggling: Gerard can't seem to lift himself out of the wheelchair after it's pushed to his car
Easy does it! Gerard arrives in Italy, bit will it be a short break or is he en route to Belgium?
Most watched News videos
- Russia: Nuclear weapons in Poland would become targets in wider war
- Ashley Judd shames decision to overturn Weinstein rape conviction
- 'Dine-and-dashers' confronted by staff after 'trying to do a runner'
- Moment Met Police officer tasers aggressive dog at Wembley Stadium
- Boris Johnson: Time to kick out London's do-nothing Mayor Sadiq Khan
- BREAKING: King Charles to return to public duties Palace announces
- Wills' rockstar reception! Prince of Wales greeted with huge cheers
- Shocking moment pandas attack zookeeper in front of onlookers
- Shocking moment British woman is punched by Thai security guard
- Don't mess with Grandad! Pensioner fights back against pickpockets
- Humza Yousaf insists he will not resign as pressure builds
- Shocking moment gunman allegedly shoots and kills Iraqi influencer
