Johnny Depp claims he was a ‘crash test dummy' for #MeToo
The case was thrown out in 2020, with the judge ruling Heard was 'the victim of sustained and multiple assaults by Mr Depp in Australia'. He was denied the right to appeal the UK decision.
In the US, Heard counter-sued Depp for $US100 million and the ensuing case became known as a trial by TikTok. Daily updates played out on social media and typically skewed in Depp's favour (on TikTok, the hashtag #justiceforjohnnydepp amassed 7.1 billion views, while #justiceforamberheard has 53.1 million.)
Ultimately, in 2022, a US jury found in favour of Depp's original suit, awarding him $US10.35 million in damages, while Heard received $US2 million after winning one of her three counter-claims against her ex.
Addressing the case, Depp says in the Sunday Times interview that he has 'no regrets about anything'.
'I know who I am, what that was and, look, it was a learning experience.'
He says three close friends 'did me dirty' but they were unable to stand up for him because it was too difficult.
'I was pre-MeToo,' says Depp. 'I was like a crash test dummy for MeToo. It was before Harvey Weinstein.'
Heard's accusations came a year before film producer Weinstein's fall from power.
Throughout the interview, Depp keeps his references to the case vague and never addresses specifics of the various allegations or the 'mutual abuse' that defined the relationship, a term used during the trial by clinical psychologist Laurel Anderson, Heard and Depp's former marriage counsellor.
Instead, he seems to reframe his marriage and subsequent issues with Heard as part of a long-standing saviour complex.
'If you're a sucker like I am, sometimes you look in a person's eye and see some sadness, some lonely thing, and you feel you can help that person,' Depp says. 'But no good deed goes unpunished.'
He regularly reminds interviewer Jonathan Dean that he doesn't need to be rich and famous ('If I end up pumping gas? That's all right. I've done that before'), and criticises those he believes wronged him.
Take, for instance, his agent Tracey Jacobs. Jacobs signed Depp in 1988 and helped guide his career, before he dismissed her in 2016. During the trial, Jacobs took the stand and claimed studios had become reluctant to use Depp because of his tardiness on set.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Perth Now
4 hours ago
- Perth Now
Aussie singles survive day one of being stranded together
One of the most extreme and radical dating experiences to hit TV has arrived. Stranded on Honeymoon Island sees 12 unlucky-in-love Aussie singles marry a complete stranger who they met at a speed-dating event just two weeks prior. After tying the knot, the six couples are dumped on a deserted island where they will spend 21 days in isolation — love will either bloom or dreams of a happy ending will come crashing down. On the first episode, we are first introduced to Byron, a 33-year-old electrician from Queensland who loves to surf and eat pizza with mates. He reveals he lost his mum at just 15 and has always distracted himself from the grief by being busy, but as a result of his packed schedule, his dating life got pushed to the side. Byron is paired with 28-year-old Melbourne performer Brie who describes herself as 'bubbly and crazy'. She has never had a serious boyfriend and has never been in love. Brie and Byron. Credit: Supplied When the couple reunite for the first time after the speed-dating event, both are equally happy about being paired with each other. Brie feels 'happy and relaxed' and Byron says he is one 'lucky guy'. The newlyweds begin to get on like a house fire thanks to Brie's quirky personality but she soon starts to become overwhelmed with the big life change. Commitment is one of her biggest fears and she usually runs away from men as soon as it begins to get serious — but you can't run from island life. She says she doesn't want to self-sabotage her relationship. During the episode, viewers are introduced to the second couple where they meet 30-year-old Queenslander, Amy, who is also looking to meet the love of her life. The 'outrageous and fun princess' has had a lot of bad luck when it comes to men and has become known on TikTok for sharing her horrid dating stories. After the speed dating event, she hoped to marry handsome AFL player Hayden, who wooed her over with his salmon pink suit jacket and man bun. However, she is immediately disappointed when she sees New Zealander Mike waiting for her at the altar. While the pair struggle through some cringy vows and seal their marriage with a quick kiss, Amy does admit that Mike seems fun and she wants to give him a chance. But once they are on the island, Mike's chance of winning over Amy starts to deplete as the two big personalities collide and a power struggle ensues. Both want to be the dominate one in the relationship and Mike doesn't understand why Amy won't let him 'be the man'. Next up is 46-year-old Chad who works in orthopaedics helping to save people's limbs before amputation is needed. His family life has complicated his dating experiences as he has spent a lot of time helping his mum care for his sister who has special needs. Chad said he is doing the experiment so there are no distractions stopping him from getting to know his potential love. Chad's lucky lady is Georgia who is over the moon to find out she is marrying him. While finding love is a first for Chad, it's not Georgia's first rodeo. She was once engaged for a planned destination wedding but her husband-to-be pulled out three days before their big day. 'It was a dagger to the heart,' Georgia said. 'I'm very scared to get married again but I want love and a Disney fairytale ending I didn't have last time.' Georgia is obsessed with Chad's tanned skin and dark features and is more than happy to be stranded with him The new couple seal their marriage with a kiss on the cheek. Georgia and Chad. Credit: Supplied With the marriages out of the way, night soon begins to fall on Honeymoon Island and sleeping arrangements between each pair needs to be sorted out. Each couple contemplates their first night as husband and wife and sleeping in the elements. The next day each couple is still trying to figure each other out and navigate living on a deserted island. Brie's commitment fears are in full swing and as soon as she hears the word wife, she 'wants to swim away'. But her struggle to be open with her emotions has left her withdrawn from Byron who starts to wonder if she's shutting down because of him. With 24 hours alone on the island now complete, the next stage of the experience soon arrives. Mysterious orange crates arrive in the water, with the couples sent out to retrieve and open them. A crate will be sent every week with each one containing surprises, tips and relationship tests. The first crate is an individual video message from the contestants' families back home, offering advice, warnings and support. The word from home brings a lot of comfort to Brie and Amy who have been feeling emotional. It's enough for Amy to finally get real and confront Mike for making her feel 'belittled and uncomfortable' following his controlling behaviour at times. 'It's nightmare island,' she said. With some questioning their decision to sign up, to others calling each other 'babe' on the first day, episode two is set to unpack more drama as we meet three more couples also hoping to fall in love. Watch Stranded On Honeymoon Island then answer the daily question for your chance to win a five night stay at the Berkeley River Lodge. CLICK HERE TO ENTER THE COMPETITION
The Advertiser
6 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Johnny Depp says he has empty-nest syndrome
Johnny Depp has revealed he has empty-nest syndrome now his daughter and son are in their 20s. The 62-year-old actor - who has Lily-Rose, 25, and Jack, 22, with former partner Vanessa Paradis - misses the days his children were still young enough to call him "Papa". "Years get away from us, don't they?... I'm of the empty-nest syndrome," he told the Sunday Times newspaper. Asked if he misses having his kids around, he replied: "Oh man, my kids growing up in the south of France in their youth? "I was Papa. I cannot tell you how much I loved being Papa. Then, suddenly, Papa was out the window. I was Dad. But Papa was awesome and I'm getting old enough for Papa to possibly come back. Some motherf***er's going to have to call me Papa!" The Pirates of the Caribbean star is currently living in London, but admitted the only place that has ever really felt like home was France. "Well, I don't spend much time in the US. So there is the joint in the Bahamas or here. But home. Truly, the first time I felt I had a home was the place in the south of France where Vanessa and I raised the kiddies. That's the only place that ever felt like home." Although Lily-Rose is a successful actor in her own right, Depp would never have wanted her to follow in his footsteps. "Sometimes kids say to me, 'I want to be an actor, what's your advice?' And I say, 'Don't be!' I know what's coming for them," he said. "I was chucked on that road and the only advice that I can give is, 'Don't allow anyone to make you something you are not.' They'll want you to be a poster boy and it's tempting - a lot of money. And if that's the direction you want? Go for it. But don't let anybody choose for you." The Black Mass actor has never felt comfortable with fame and rarely even goes out with his friends because he doesn't want to bring unwanted attention their way. "Well, to this day I just rarely go out. If friends invite me out for Mexican, I say, 'Dude, that's sweet of you but I will ruin your night.' "My presence will bring attention and, Jesus, I have had almost 40 years of fame but I'm still not used to it. And I'm glad I'm not." Johnny Depp has revealed he has empty-nest syndrome now his daughter and son are in their 20s. The 62-year-old actor - who has Lily-Rose, 25, and Jack, 22, with former partner Vanessa Paradis - misses the days his children were still young enough to call him "Papa". "Years get away from us, don't they?... I'm of the empty-nest syndrome," he told the Sunday Times newspaper. Asked if he misses having his kids around, he replied: "Oh man, my kids growing up in the south of France in their youth? "I was Papa. I cannot tell you how much I loved being Papa. Then, suddenly, Papa was out the window. I was Dad. But Papa was awesome and I'm getting old enough for Papa to possibly come back. Some motherf***er's going to have to call me Papa!" The Pirates of the Caribbean star is currently living in London, but admitted the only place that has ever really felt like home was France. "Well, I don't spend much time in the US. So there is the joint in the Bahamas or here. But home. Truly, the first time I felt I had a home was the place in the south of France where Vanessa and I raised the kiddies. That's the only place that ever felt like home." Although Lily-Rose is a successful actor in her own right, Depp would never have wanted her to follow in his footsteps. "Sometimes kids say to me, 'I want to be an actor, what's your advice?' And I say, 'Don't be!' I know what's coming for them," he said. "I was chucked on that road and the only advice that I can give is, 'Don't allow anyone to make you something you are not.' They'll want you to be a poster boy and it's tempting - a lot of money. And if that's the direction you want? Go for it. But don't let anybody choose for you." The Black Mass actor has never felt comfortable with fame and rarely even goes out with his friends because he doesn't want to bring unwanted attention their way. "Well, to this day I just rarely go out. If friends invite me out for Mexican, I say, 'Dude, that's sweet of you but I will ruin your night.' "My presence will bring attention and, Jesus, I have had almost 40 years of fame but I'm still not used to it. And I'm glad I'm not." Johnny Depp has revealed he has empty-nest syndrome now his daughter and son are in their 20s. The 62-year-old actor - who has Lily-Rose, 25, and Jack, 22, with former partner Vanessa Paradis - misses the days his children were still young enough to call him "Papa". "Years get away from us, don't they?... I'm of the empty-nest syndrome," he told the Sunday Times newspaper. Asked if he misses having his kids around, he replied: "Oh man, my kids growing up in the south of France in their youth? "I was Papa. I cannot tell you how much I loved being Papa. Then, suddenly, Papa was out the window. I was Dad. But Papa was awesome and I'm getting old enough for Papa to possibly come back. Some motherf***er's going to have to call me Papa!" The Pirates of the Caribbean star is currently living in London, but admitted the only place that has ever really felt like home was France. "Well, I don't spend much time in the US. So there is the joint in the Bahamas or here. But home. Truly, the first time I felt I had a home was the place in the south of France where Vanessa and I raised the kiddies. That's the only place that ever felt like home." Although Lily-Rose is a successful actor in her own right, Depp would never have wanted her to follow in his footsteps. "Sometimes kids say to me, 'I want to be an actor, what's your advice?' And I say, 'Don't be!' I know what's coming for them," he said. "I was chucked on that road and the only advice that I can give is, 'Don't allow anyone to make you something you are not.' They'll want you to be a poster boy and it's tempting - a lot of money. And if that's the direction you want? Go for it. But don't let anybody choose for you." The Black Mass actor has never felt comfortable with fame and rarely even goes out with his friends because he doesn't want to bring unwanted attention their way. "Well, to this day I just rarely go out. If friends invite me out for Mexican, I say, 'Dude, that's sweet of you but I will ruin your night.' "My presence will bring attention and, Jesus, I have had almost 40 years of fame but I'm still not used to it. And I'm glad I'm not." Johnny Depp has revealed he has empty-nest syndrome now his daughter and son are in their 20s. The 62-year-old actor - who has Lily-Rose, 25, and Jack, 22, with former partner Vanessa Paradis - misses the days his children were still young enough to call him "Papa". "Years get away from us, don't they?... I'm of the empty-nest syndrome," he told the Sunday Times newspaper. Asked if he misses having his kids around, he replied: "Oh man, my kids growing up in the south of France in their youth? "I was Papa. I cannot tell you how much I loved being Papa. Then, suddenly, Papa was out the window. I was Dad. But Papa was awesome and I'm getting old enough for Papa to possibly come back. Some motherf***er's going to have to call me Papa!" The Pirates of the Caribbean star is currently living in London, but admitted the only place that has ever really felt like home was France. "Well, I don't spend much time in the US. So there is the joint in the Bahamas or here. But home. Truly, the first time I felt I had a home was the place in the south of France where Vanessa and I raised the kiddies. That's the only place that ever felt like home." Although Lily-Rose is a successful actor in her own right, Depp would never have wanted her to follow in his footsteps. "Sometimes kids say to me, 'I want to be an actor, what's your advice?' And I say, 'Don't be!' I know what's coming for them," he said. "I was chucked on that road and the only advice that I can give is, 'Don't allow anyone to make you something you are not.' They'll want you to be a poster boy and it's tempting - a lot of money. And if that's the direction you want? Go for it. But don't let anybody choose for you." The Black Mass actor has never felt comfortable with fame and rarely even goes out with his friends because he doesn't want to bring unwanted attention their way. "Well, to this day I just rarely go out. If friends invite me out for Mexican, I say, 'Dude, that's sweet of you but I will ruin your night.' "My presence will bring attention and, Jesus, I have had almost 40 years of fame but I'm still not used to it. And I'm glad I'm not."
Sydney Morning Herald
7 hours ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
Can this ugly elf make China cool again?
In China's campaign to win over hearts and minds worldwide, its latest weapon is a fanged, bunny-eared, arguably quite ugly plushie. The grinning fuzzy toy, called Labubu, is made by a Chinese company and has become a global craze. It has in recent months been toted by celebrities including Rihanna and David Beckham; set off brawls among competing shoppers in England; and prompted overnight stakeouts in Los Angeles. It has even shaped the travel itineraries of some devotees, who have planned trips to China around hopes of buying one there. Resale prices for the roughly $US30 ($46) figurine have run into the hundreds of dollars. 'I flew all the way to China just to visit the BIGGEST POP MART STORE IN THE WORLD,' read the caption on a TikTok video by one vlogger from the Philippines, Lianna Patricia Guillermo, referring to the company that makes Labubu. (Guillermo clarified in an interview that she had visited the store during a long layover in Shanghai.) The enthusiasm over Labubu may pass like any other viral trend. But it could also be another sign that China, which has struggled to build cultural cachet overseas amid long-standing concerns about its authoritarian politics, is starting to claim some victories. Loading Chinese state media outlets have sought to frame it that way. 'The furry, nine-toothed elf created by Chinese toymaker Pop Mart has become a benchmark for China's pop culture making inroads overseas,' said an article in People's Daily, the Chinese Communist Party mouthpiece. Other Chinese products to find global followings include video games such as Black Myth: Wukong and affordable, well-made electric cars by BYD and other brands. DeepSeek, the Chinese AI model, has been adopted by tech companies overseas, including in the United States and Europe. Foreign travel bloggers have posted videos of themselves gushing about Shanghai's skyline and Chengdu's pandas. More niche offerings, like soapy Chinese period dramas, are finding audiences too. Patti Smith, the punk rock legend, has apparently left admiring comments on the Instagram account of a relatively unknown actor in one that recently debuted on Netflix. Polls also show changes in public opinion. An analysis published in May by Morning Consult showed that for the first time China's global standing surpassed that of the United States, including among American allies. Even in the United States, where views of China remain overwhelmingly negative, the share of Americans with an unfavorable opinion of China fell for the first time in five years in March, according to Pew. Younger Americans in particular are less hostile to China.
