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After Multimillion Dollar Defamation Trial, Johnny Depp Says He Doesn’t “Care” About Public Scrutiny

Johnny Depp
Credit: Johnny Depp, Instagram

In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Johnny Depp drew parallels between his own tumultuous reputation and that of accused murderer O.J. Simpson. He explained that just as Simpson‘s life became a spectacle, his own experiences in Hollywood often felt similarly scrutinized.

The Pirates of the Caribbean star expressed that the public’s view of him has shifted dramatically throughout his career, particularly following his high-profile legal battles and contentious divorce from Amber Heard. Depp confessed to having once been deeply affected by negative media portrayals. However, he now touts the importance of moving forward without the burden of public opinion:

“Honestly, I can sit here this very second and think about all the hit pieces, and how everybody was against me, and yeah yeah yeah he is off the map … endless stuff. I can remember it all. Went through it all. Some of it was not the most beautiful time, some of it was hilarious. Some of it was mad. The thing is, it simply just was, and it simply just is. So, for me, it happened. I learned, man. Everything that we experience, whether you’re given a snow cone or walking your dog, you learn something somewhere along the way. So I don’t have any ill feelings toward anyone. I don’t have this great reserve of hatred, because hatred requires caring. Why carry that baggage?”

A person with medium-length hair stands on a stage, wearing a dark suit and a dark shirt underneath. They are gesturing with their right hand while speaking into a microphone about Johnny Depp's new role. The background is a blurred mix of warm colors, giving a shimmering effect.

Credit: Disney/Good Morning America

Depp’s latest directorial project, Modi: Three Days on the Wing of Madness (2024), centers on the life of Italian artist Amedeo Modigliani. The controversial actor and filmmaker identified with Modigliani’s determination to stay true to his artistic vision in the face of societal opposition.

“My upbringing was not the same as Modigliani’s, but you do understand the levels that you have to climb, up a ladder or up a wall to get to a point where you earn your stripes,” Depp said. “I do understand him in the sense that he stuck to his guns with his particular style, which was far too brute for those at the time.”

Stepping behind the camera to direct “Modi” marks a pivotal moment for Depp, showcasing his growth since his initial directing attempt in the 1997 film The Brave. He candidly acknowledged the difficulties he faced in that earlier project, using it as a learning experience for his current role as a director.

Johnny Depp as Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean

Credit: Disney

The Brave didn’t go so well,” he recalled. “I remember very well the comedown of the critics on The Brave, and all it did was make me understand. What do you do? You learn from that.”

Post-Controversy Johnny Depp

In the wake of his defamation trial against ex-wife Amber Heard, Depp has embarked on a career shift, particularly in Europe. His roles in projects such as Jeanne du Barry (2023) and Modi demonstrate a clear pivot towards rebuilding his career away from the Hollywood spotlight.

A person with disheveled black hair and a pale face, dressed in a white shirt and black suspenders, is intensely focused while holding scissor-like blades. They stand against a backdrop of bright green bushes and a clear blue sky.

Credit: Disney/20th Century Studios

“I had a few bouts with Hollywood over their particular easy way and the fluid three-act structure and all the stuff that is predictable,” Depp said. “And I am sorry, but I had to get in there and whip it around a little bit…”

Despite the controversies surrounding his divorce and subsequent defamation trial against Amber Heard, Depp’s recent endeavors suggest a deliberate attempt to distance himself from that narrative. He characterized his past difficulties as a “vast wilderness,” from which he emerged with valuable insights.

A pirate with long, braided hair and a dark brown hat, wide-eyed and open-mouthed in a surprised or shocked expression. He has beads in his hair, a red bandana, and is dressed in rugged pirate attire. Palm trees and a village are visible in the background.

Credit: Disney

Depp drew the comparison to O.J. Simpson while talking about performing amidst intense public scrutiny:

“Oh yes, of course, it is my responsibility. But it is also helpful in certain instances, especially when things are crumbling all around. It’s weird to be able to escape, not into a character, but it is good to be able to inhabit a character, and as everything is in your toolbox — some of that stuff can be used as available stimulus. Which is great. So yeah. Everything has been … it has really, it just is. And on some level, it is gonna be around, that kind of thing. It’s like OJ or something. But hey, it just happened. That’s all.”

Watch The Hollywood Reporter‘s full interview with Johnny Depp here:

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About Jess Colopy

Jess Colopy is a Disney College Program alum and kid-at-heart. When she’s not furiously typing in a coffee shop, you can find her on the hunt for the newest Stitch pin.

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