'He was my love, my rock, my protector:' Asia Argento posts heartfelt tribute to her partner Anthony Bourdain
Asia Argento has posted a heartfelt tribute to her partner Anthony Bourdain, hours after he was confirmed dead.
Writing on Twitter, Argento described Bourdain as "my love, my rock, my protector" and said his death had left her "devastated."
Argento and Bourdain announced that they were a couple in May 2017, just over a year ago.
Here is her statement in full:
"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.
"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."
Bourdain was found dead in a hotel room in France this morning. CNN, his longtime employer, was the first outlet to report his death.
Tributes have been pouring in from fellow chefs, celebrities, and at least two US presidents.