The former Beatles legend had been enjoying a quiet meal at Italian eatery Il Gattopardo but was left shocked when the whole restaurant erupted into rapturous applause as he stood up to leave.
One diner showed his support for Paul by shouting: "We are with you all the way Paul!"
Paul stopped his car in New Jersey the following day for an unplanned press conference.
He said: "Look, I am doing just fine. I just need some time to myself."
It was revealed yesterday (Nov 8, 2006) that Paul has removed estranged wife Heather from his new DVD.
The 64-year-old musician is set to release footage from his 2005 US tour on a new DVD entitled "Paul McCartney: The Space Within Us" next week - but there is no mention of Heather, who was his constant companion on the tour.
A host of people from Paul's entourage feature in the documentary, even the caterers, but the former model has been completely erased.
Heather's absence is noticeable because she featured so heavily in Paul's last DVD - "Back In The USA," filmed in 2002.
