Gerard Depardieu labels peeing on plane 'beautiful'

Gerard Depardieu says urinating in his seat on an airplane was "beautiful".

The French actor shocked fellow passengers last month when he insisted on relieving himself as he couldn't wait until the craft was in the air but has now opened up about the incident, insisting he is not a "monster" and revealing he offered to clean up after himself when he was denied permission to use the on-board toilet.

Explaining how he used a bottle instead, he added: "Ah, it was so beautiful.

"I'm not a monster, I'm just a man who has to pee. Maybe the flight attendant was having a nervous breakdown, I don't understand why she blocked the door. I say, 'Don't worry, I will clean it after!'"

Gerard - who insists alcohol was not at the root of his behaviour - admitted the bottle overflowed, jokingly calling himself an "elephant".

He told CNN talk show host Anderson Cooper in an interview conducted by satellite link: "The bottle was much too small. I am an elephant!"

Anderson then revealed he had provided all his audience with empty water bottles to relieve themselves in - and said he would keep one for the actor for the next time he appears on the show.

He said: "And if you were ever able come on this show, we'll have a water bottle here for you!"

In response, Gerard lifted a huge jug and joked: "This is not enough."

- BANG! Showbiz