Gerard Depardieu throws house-warming barbecue in Belgium
Cannot play media. You do not have the correct version of the flash player.
Depardieu was made an honorary citizen of Estaimpuis ahead of the house-warming party
French
film star Gerard Depardieu, who stirred up controversy by becoming a
tax exile last year, has thrown a big housewarming barbecue in Belgium.
He invited some 200 people, including his new neighbours, to
celebrate in the grounds of the five-bedroomed chateau he bought in
Nechin in December.
Depardieu bought the property after France's Socialist government proposed a 75% tax rate on high incomes.
The tax hike was later blocked by France's highest court.
Since it was proposed last year, Depardieu has also taken on
Russian citizenship, in a move much criticised in his home country.
Hailed as one of the finest actors of his generation for
films that include Cyrano de Bergerac, the 64-year-old told reporters he
was a "citizen of the world".
"I have worked around the world but I settled in Nechin," he said.
Saturday's feast reportedly featured T-bone steaks and suckling pig.
Earlier in the day, Depardieu was made an honorary citizen of Estaimpuis municipality, which includes Nechin.
Daniel Senesael, the mayor of Estaimpuis, said: "When he came
to set up house here, he always told me that he wanted to do something
nice with the neighbours.
"He kept his word. He bought his house, the neighbours were
invited... and so I think it's great when you keep your promises... and
you can mingle with Depardieu, what more do you want?"
Depardieu told France's Figaro magazine on Friday that the
tax controversy had been "a big misunderstanding" and that he loved
France "as much as ever".