Russell Crowe‘s autograph etiquette might not be for everyone, but the Gladiator star is defending his efficiency.
The New Zealander has been on the receiving end of some social media flak this week after a viral video from TMZ swept X on Monday. It showed Crowe outside of his Paris hotel, addressing some keen fans of the Ridley Scott classic, who stood with merchandise and pens outstretched.
“Are you listening?” he begins. “Stay where you are. Don’t fucking push in on me, I’ll come to you. Give everybody space. As soon as somebody’s a dick, I’m going. You got me? Clear?”
Crowe then starts signing some autographs, and when asked if he can write “Maximus” — the name of his Roman general depicted in Gladiator — he curtly responds, “No.”
Fans were split online, with some deeming the actor “quite rude” and “ungrateful,” while others replied to the TMZ video: “You set boundaries for yourself to feel safe and for others as well. You have every right to do just that.”
