Asia Argento Releases Statement Following Anthony Bourdain's Death

Asia Argento is breaking her silence.

On Friday, June 8, 2018, the actress took to Twitter to release a statement after her boyfriend, Anthony Bourdain, was found dead of an apparent suicide.

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

Argento continued, "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."

As Nicki Swift previously reported, Bourdain was discovered unresponsive in his hotel room by his longtime friend and fellow chef, Eric Ripert, on the morning of Friday, June 8. The beloved chef had been staying in Strasbourg, France, where he was filming his CNN series, Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown. According to TMZ, Bourdain had hanged himself. He was 61 years old.

"It is with extraordinary sadness we can confirm the death of our friend and colleague, Anthony Bourdain," CNN released in a statement. "His love of great adventure, new friends, fine food and drink and the remarkable stories of the world made him a unique storyteller. His talents never ceased to amaze us and we will miss him very much. Our thoughts and prayers are with his daughter and family at this incredibly difficult time."

After the news of Bourdain's passing broke, a number of celebrities took to social media to express their thoughts and offer their condolences.

According to Page Six, Argento, 42, and Bourdain first met when she appeared on an episode of Parts Unknown in 2016. They had been romantically linked since February 2017.

Our thoughts are with Bourdain's loved ones during this difficult time.

If you or anyone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).