In a revealing interview with The Times U.K., actor Johnny Depp candidly discussed his turbulent legal battle with his ex-wife, actress Amber Heard, asserting that he felt like a “crash test dummy for MeToo.” Depp reflected on his experiences in Hollywood and the impact that the MeToo movement had on his life and career. He stated, “My comeback? Honestly? I didn’t go anywhere,” emphasizing his resilience and determination.
The Pirates of the Caribbean star described his ousting from Hollywood as a form of “boycott,” expressing gratitude towards the San Sebastián International Film Festival for their unwavering support. Despite the controversy surrounding him, the festival awarded Depp the prestigious Donostia Award, its highest honor, in 2021. His latest directorial venture, Modi: Three Days on the Wing of Madness, received a standing ovation from the audience last year.
Depp expressed a sense of peace regarding his past, stating, “No, I have no regrets about anything — because, truly, what can we do about last week’s dinner? Not a f—ing thing.” This remark reflects his attitude towards the highly publicized court trial with Heard, which culminated in a 2022 verdict where a jury unanimously found that Depp had been defamed. Following Heard’s appeal of the verdict, both parties revealed that they had settled the case, with Heard pledging to donate her settlement funds to charity.
The origins of the legal battle trace back to a 2018 op-ed written by Heard in the Washington Post, where she described herself as a survivor of domestic violence without directly naming Depp. Throughout the trial, Heard faced significant backlash, particularly from Depp's fans, who camped outside the courtroom and issued threats. Research studies revealed that much of the vitriol directed at Heard on social media was not solely generated by individuals, indicating a broader issue of online harassment.
Depp’s legal woes extend beyond the U.S., including a separate libel case in the U.K. against The Sun for labeling him a “wife beater.” In 2020, the judge ruled in favor of the publication, which led to Depp's dismissal from the Fantastic Beasts franchise by Warner Bros. The judge concluded that the “great majority of alleged assaults of Ms. Heard by Mr. Depp have been proved,” which significantly impacted Depp’s public image and career.
When questioned about his decision to pursue a public trial in the United States, Depp remarked, “Look, it had gone far enough. I knew I’d have to semi-eviscerate myself. Everyone was saying, ‘It’ll go away!’ But I can’t trust that.” He emphasized the importance of defending his truth, stating, “If I don’t try to represent the truth it will be like I’ve actually committed the acts I am accused of. And my kids will have to live with it.” His resolve to fight until the end was clear, as he mentioned, “I’ll fight until the bitter f—ing end.”
Depp also shared his perspective on the MeToo movement and how it relates to his experiences, asserting that his struggles predated the movement. He explained, “I was pre-MeToo. I was like a crash test dummy for MeToo.” Despite the movement gaining traction in Hollywood after the revelations surrounding Harvey Weinstein, Depp felt that his circumstances were overlooked, leading to feelings of betrayal from those he once considered friends.
In summary, Johnny Depp's recent interview sheds light on his complex relationship with the MeToo movement, his ongoing legal challenges, and the support he received from allies in the film industry. As he navigates this turbulent chapter in his life, Depp remains steadfast in his commitment to truth and justice.
