French actor's son 'pulled gun on drinker'

French actor Guillaume Depardieu was placed under investigation today on suspicion he threatened a man with an illegal gun at a bar in Normandy.

The incident took place in Deauville in the early hours of Saturday after the man mocked the clothes the 32-year-old actor was wearing, one police official said.

Depardieu, the son of celebrated French actor Gerard Depardieu, drew the weapon and fired it in the air before being restrained, he said.

The younger Depardieu was placed under investigation – a step short of formal charges – for possessing an illegal weapon, armed violence and threats.

Depardieu was released on bail but must return to court for a new hearing on September 9, state prosecutor Philippe Perroux said.

Depardieu, who often spends weekends at his father’s home in Normandy, was taken into custody yesterday after the unidentified man filed a complaint.

Depardieu had his right leg amputated in June to end years of pain from a bacterial infection that followed a motorbike accident in 1996. Last week he was featured on the cover of popular French magazine Paris Match.