Asia Argento Opens Up About Anthony Bourdain's Death

Actress Asia Argento has given her first televised interview following the untimely passing of boyfriend Anthony Bourdain.

While speaking with DailyMailTV on Monday, Sept. 24, 2018, the Italian actress admitted that her initial response to the late celebrity chef's death in June was that of anger.

"The anger kept me alive because otherwise this desperation has no end, there's no end," Argento tearfully said, explaining, "I was angry [at him], yes, for abandoning me, my kids." The movie star, who is a mother of two from previous relationships, added, "But now it's been replaced, just by this loss, this hole, that cannot be filled by anything."

Argento, 42, and Bourdain were first romantically linked in February 2017 after meeting during her appearance on an episode of Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown the year before. As Nicki Swift previously reported, Bourdain died by suicide in his hotel room in France on the morning of June 8, 2018. He was 61 years old. A number of celebrities took to social media at the time to express their thoughts, including Argento, who broke her silence with a text-post via Twitter. 

"Anthony gave all of himself in everything he did. His brilliant, fearless spirit touched and inspired so many, and his generosity knew no bounds," she wrote. "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."

While Argento has continued to mourn the loss of Bourdain, her life has recently become shrouded by ongoing scandal. In mid-August 2018, The New York Times revealed that she'd quietly paid former co-star Jimmy Bennett $380,000 after he accused her of sexually assaulting him during an alleged May 2013 incident. At the time, he would have been just 17 years old. Argento has since denied Bennett's claims, and she later accused him of "sexually attacking" her during their alleged sexual encounter. She's also noted that Bourdain had paid the settlement in order to avoid negative publicity. 

In the wake of the allegations, CNN Go pulled Argento's episodes of Parts Unknown. Additionally, the actress was fired as a judge from X-Factor Italy and has had a very public falling out with former friend and fellow #MeToo movement activist Rose McGowan. Meanwhile, Bennett reportedly plans to file a police report against Argento.

Our thoughts remain with Bourdain's loved ones during this time. If you or anyone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).