Russell Crowe has bitten back over a widely shared video that captured the Aussie actor swearing as he sternly told autograph-seeking fans in France to back off.

In a clip that entertainment website TMZ titled “Russell Crowe explodes on pushy autograph hunters”, the 62-year-old Gladiator star is shown confronting the group as he emerged from a Paris hotel.

“Stay where you are,” he says, gesturing with his hands.

“Don’t f—ing push in on me, and I’ll come to you… as soon as somebody’s a d—, I’m going. You got me? Clear?”

He proceeded to rapidly sign photographs and other items, but was not willing to oblige when one fan asked if he would add “Maximus” – his character in Ridley Scott’s 2000 Gladiator epic.

“What’s that?” he said, asking the man to repeat his request before then turning away as he replied simply: “No.”

The TMZ post on TikTok alone has had more than a million views – but Crowe labelled its coverage of the incident as “clickbait” in a response on Tuesday defending his behaviour.

“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 on X.

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 ? https://t.co/Yxo2BIFSe9

— Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) May 26, 2026

Many fans seem to agree with his take on the situation, saying his response to clamouring fans seemed reasonable and he handled the situation “like a pro”.

“Don’t stress it mate. That was another stellar performance in front of the camera. It’s not like you went “Romper Stomper” on them. You just controlled the situation to make it safe and fair for everyone,” wrote @dragonkindred01 on X.

“You literally handled this like a champ especially since I’m sure a few of them weren’t a real fan and just wanted you to sign something that can sell. Tbh cause of how viral this got those items you signed are probably worth a bit more lol,” agreed @B.Jones.

Crowe­ also went viral for a different reason this week when he was captured on film catching a tennis ball that came towards him while he sat in the crowd during a first-round match at the French Open.

On that occasion, he smiled broadly as he held up the ball and subsequently shared a photo of the moment on Instagram.

TNT Sports US shared the clip with the caption: “ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED!? Russell Crowe getting in on the action at @rolandgarros.”

“ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED!?”

Russell Crowe getting in on the action at @rolandgarros👏😆 pic.twitter.com/glIBHAXdkU

— TNT Sports U.S. (@TNTSportsUS) May 24, 2026