In a candid interview with The Sunday Times, Johnny Depp opened up about his experience following his legal battles with ex-wife Amber Heard, especially after the defamation trial that captivated the public.
The 62-year-old actor spoke about how his career and personal life were impacted by the allegations made against him by Heard and the broader MeToo movement, claiming he was unfairly used as a “crash test dummy” in the movement’s early days.
The MeToo Movement and Depp’s Role
Depp referred to his high-profile trial against Heard as a pivotal moment, saying that he was “pre-MeToo” and bore the brunt of the allegations in the entertainment world before the full force of the movement unfolded.
He compared himself to a “crash test dummy” for MeToo, a term often used to describe a person or group who endures something on behalf of others, usually as a test for a greater cause.
Depp’s remarks highlighted the difficult position he found himself in as one of the first to face public accusations of abuse that were heavily amplified by the media and MeToo advocates.
He recalled how, prior to the rise of the movement and the accusations against Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein, he “sponged it” and took in all the backlash. Depp noted how people, particularly in his inner circle, did not stand up for him during the trials and allegations, calling out a few key figures in his life who he felt had “done him dirty.”
The actor, who had long been loyal to certain individuals, expressed his disappointment in those who, according to him, celebrated him publicly but privately betrayed him.
Betrayal by Former Associates
“I was with one agent for 30 years, but she spoke in court about how difficult I was,” Depp shared, expressing how painful it was to hear people he had trusted, like his agent, speak negatively about him.
He described the experience as “death by confetti,” referring to the fake celebrations of his success while those same people would secretly undermine him. For Depp, this felt like a betrayal from those who were supposed to support him.
The actor also mentioned that some people he considered close, people who had been at his children’s parties and thrown them in the air, were among those who didn’t stand by him during his public ordeal.
Depp seemed to understand why some people were reluctant to stand up for him, citing fear as the main motivator. “The most frightening thing to them was making the right choice,” he said.
Depp’s Legal Battle with Amber Heard
Depp’s defamation lawsuit against Heard stemmed from an op-ed she wrote for The Washington Post in 2018, where she discussed domestic abuse without naming him specifically. Despite not mentioning Depp, he claimed the piece damaged his career and reputation.
After a lengthy legal battle, Depp won his defamation case in Virginia in June 2022. While Heard won one of her three counterclaims, the case brought significant media attention and public scrutiny to both parties.
Heard expressed heartbreak over the trial’s outcome, claiming that it set back the conversation about violence against women. In her statement following the verdict, she said, “The mountain of evidence still was not enough to stand up to the disproportionate power, influence and sway of my ex-husband.”
Meanwhile, Depp expressed a sense of relief and vindication, stating that the verdict allowed him to regain his life and honor his commitment to his children and supporters.
Depp’s Hollywood Comeback
Despite the personal and professional challenges, Depp has continued to work in Hollywood. He dismissed the idea that he had disappeared from the public eye, saying, “Honestly? I didn’t go anywhere.”
He pointed to recent projects, including films like Minamata and Jeanne du Barry, and commercial work with Dior, as evidence of his ongoing career. Depp also discussed his upcoming film Day Drinker, further reinforcing that he hadn’t left the industry.
In his conversation, Depp hinted that he was done with Hollywood in some respects, adding, “If I actually had the chance to split, I would never come back.” This remark echoed his feelings of disillusionment and the personal toll the past few years had taken on him.
Johnny Depp’s recent interview sheds light on the personal and professional struggles he has faced since the allegations made by Amber Heard and the broader cultural shift of the MeToo movement.
While he feels that he was unfairly made a “crash test dummy” for the movement, Depp also expresses a desire to move on from his Hollywood career, finding peace in his legal victory and the support of his loyal fans.
His comments also underline the complexities and emotional challenges of navigating public scandals, personal betrayals, and the shifting landscape of Hollywood’s response to #MeToo.
