Johnny Depp, the 62-year-old actor, has spoken out about the impact of his legal battle with ex-wife Amber Heard, describing himself as a “crash test dummy” for the #MeToo movement. In an interview with People magazine, Depp reflected on the personal and professional fallout from the trial, including the people he felt turned their backs on him during one of the most challenging periods of his life.
Depp’s legal battle with Heard stemmed from an op-ed she wrote for The Washington Post in 2018, where she spoke out about domestic abuse. After a lengthy trial in Virginia, Depp was awarded USD 10 million in damages, while Heard received USD 2 million on one of her counterclaims.
The public scrutiny from the trial, combined with the media’s intense focus on the allegations, left Depp questioning the loyalty of those around him. He admitted that certain individuals in his inner circle had “done him dirty,” particularly those who had previously celebrated his success but remained silent when the allegations against him surfaced.
Depp also shared his thoughts on the #MeToo movement, which gained widespread attention in 2017 after multiple allegations of sexual assault and harassment were levelled against Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein. He explained that at the time of his legal battle, the movement was still in its early stages, and people in the industry were hesitant to stand up for him out of fear of backlash.
Despite the years of legal and personal turmoil, Depp seemed to find solace in the knowledge that his case was a turning point. After the verdict, the jury gave him his life back, and for Depp, the case was about more than legal justice; it was also a matter of personal truth.
Throughout the interview, Depp addressed his so-called “comeback” in Hollywood and discussed how his career has evolved since the trial. Despite media reports suggesting that his professional life had been on hold, Depp asserted that he didn’t go anywhere. He pointed out his recent projects, such as Minamata and Jeanne du Barry, and his commercials for Dior.
However, Depp did not view his return as a “comeback,” implying that his love for acting and personal drive keep him engaged in the industry despite the challenges he has faced. (ANI)
