Hollywood Stars Defend Asia Argento in Open Letter About Anthony Bourdain’s Suicide

A number of stars have called on the public to stop blaming Asia Argento for the death of her boyfriend, Anthony Bourdain. Since Bourdain committed suicide last month, many of the celebrity chef’s fans have pointed a finger at Argento.

In an open letter published by the Los Angeles Times on Thursday, many of the Italian actress’ peers defended her against online bullies. Notable names in the entertainment industry — including Rose McGowan, Olivia Munn, Mira Sorvino, Rosanna Arquette, Paz de la Huerta, Natasha Henstridge, Terry Crews and more — banded together on behalf of Argento.

Like Argento — who has publicly accused Harvey Weinstein of rape, a claim the disgraced producer vehemently denies — all of the signatories have been vocal supporters of Hollywood’s #MeToo movement against sexual misconduct.

“We are here to ask those who are angry and grieving the loss of Anthony to find a healthy outlet for their pain,” the letter read. “Asia is a survivor, just as we are, and her fame and outward show of strength does not make her any less vulnerable. Asia is not a headline — she is a human being, and she is in horrific pain.”

The letter concluded: “Our request for Asia is a request for any and all survivors. Our standing up for her is standing up to any and all bullies. We implore you to be kind to each other, to believe survivors, to stand up for survivors, to encourage, support and sympathize with them. We ask you to stand with us, as we stand with Asia.”

Read the entire letter here.

As previously reported, Bourdain died at the age of 61 on June 8 in France. Not long after, Argento — who had been dating the TV host since 2017 — took to Twitter to pay tribute in an emotional statement.

“Anthony gave all of himself in everything that he did. His brilliant, fearless spirit touched and inspired so many, and his generosity knew no bounds,” she wrote at the time. “He was my love, my rock, my protector. I am beyond devastated. My thoughts are with his family. I would ask that you respect their privacy and mine.”

The pair met on the set of Bourdain’s CNN series Parts Unknown. Throughout Argento’s fight against sexual misconduct in the film industry, Bourdain often offered public support for her and for Weinstein’s other victims. 

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Asia Argento: Anthony Bourdain "Was My Love, My Rock, My Protector"