Johnny Depp calls himself ‘crash test dummy for MeToo’

Johnny Depp has opened up about the impact of the highly publicised legal battle with his ex-wife Amber Heard, describing himself as a “crash test dummy” for the #MeToo movement.

In an interview, the 62-year-old actor, who won a defamation lawsuit against Heard in 2022, reflected on the personal and professional fallout from the trial, including the people he felt turned their backs on him.

Depp’s legal battle with Heard stemmed from an op-ed she wrote in 2018, where she spoke out about domestic abuse, though she did not directly name Depp. After a trial in Virginia, Depp was awarded USD 10 million in damages and Heard received USD 2 million on one of her counterclaims. The public scrutiny from the trial, combined with the media’s focus on the allegations, left Depp questioning the loyalty of those around him. Depp admitted 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 called out an unnamed agent he had worked with for three decades, who spoke negatively about him in court during the trial. “That’s death by confetti,” he said, referring to the “fake” people who “celebrate you” to your face while speaking ill behind your back. 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. Depp said, “I was pre-MeToo. I was like a crash test dummy for MeToo.” He said 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. Depp said he “sponged it all in” during the difficult period and noted that the situation created an environment where people were “playing it safe” in order to avoid being labelled or criticised. “Better go woke!” he added sarcastically, implying that many in Hollywood were more concerned with maintaining their public image than standing by him.

Despite the years of legal and personal turmoil, Depp seemed to find solace in the knowledge that his case was a turning point. “The jury gave me my life back,” he said after the verdict. For Depp, the case was about more than legal justice; it was also a matter of personal truth.

Throughout the interview, Depp also 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 was quick to assert, “Honestly? I didn’t go anywhere.” He pointed out his recent projects, such as the films Minamata and Jeanne du Barry and his commercials for Dior. Depp also hinted at an exciting upcoming project, Day Drinker, signalling that he has remained active in the industry.

However, Depp made it clear that he doesn’t view his return as a “comeback.” “If I actually had the chance to split, I would never come back,” he said, implying that his love for acting and his personal drive are what keep him engaged in the industry despite the challenges he has faced.

Entertainment