In a candid interview with The Times of London, Johnny Depp described himself as a “crash test dummy” for the #MeToo movement, referencing the intense public scrutiny he faced during his legal battle with ex-wife Amber Heard. Depp, now 62, expressed deep hurt over how some of his close friends failed to support him during that time.
He noted the betrayal he felt from people who were once a part of his family life, emphasizing that fear of backlash may have kept them silent. Depp implied that some people chose to “play it safe” rather than stand by him, especially when aligning with him could be seen as going against the cultural tide.
Depp’s Trial Unfolded Amid #MeToo Movement’s Rise and Shifting Cultural Power Dynamics
Depp’s defamation trial against Heard occurred in a climate shaped heavily by the #MeToo movement, which gained global momentum in 2017, though it was originally founded in 2006 by activist Tarana Burke.
Depp said his ordeal began before the movement fully exploded, suggesting that he unintentionally became a symbolic figure for what could happen to men accused of abuse amid this societal shift. He voiced criticism of industry figures who, he believed, embraced the “woke” narrative at his expense, choosing public image over personal loyalty or truth.
Johnny Depp Calls Himself a #MeToo “Crash Test Dummy,” Reflects on Betrayal and Public FalloutAmber Heard’s allegations against Depp began in May 2016, a year before the high-profile downfall of Harvey Weinstein ignited a wave of similar claims in Hollywood. Heard’s claims framed Depp as an abuser, leading to years of legal battles and media scrutiny.
In response, Depp filed a $50 million defamation lawsuit against Heard in 2019 over a 2018 op-ed she wrote, which he said damaged his reputation, even though it didn’t name him directly. The lawsuit intensified public debate around abuse, credibility, and due process, placing both actors under a global microscope.
Legal Verdict, Public Fallout, and Ongoing Support Continue to Fuel Media Firestorm
In 2022, after a high-profile trial, the jury sided largely with Depp, awarding him $10 million in compensatory damages and $350,000 in punitive damages. Heard, however, won $2 million for her counterclaim, highlighting the complexity of the case. Eventually, they reached a settlement, with Heard agreeing to pay Depp $1 million.
Shortly afterward, Heard moved to Spain with her daughter, signaling a retreat from the American media spotlight. The case, widely covered and hotly debated, continues to spark discussion about the intersection of celebrity, justice, and public opinion.
Despite the legal judgment, some of Heard’s close acquaintances have continued to publicly support her version of events. Most recently, her ex-girlfriend Bianca Butti shared her belief in Heard’s allegations, citing personal experiences during their relationship. Butti described Heard as traumatized and fearful, consistent with someone who had been in a violent relationship.
Her statements appear in the new book Hollywood Vampires: Johnny Depp, Amber Heard, and the Celebrity Exploitation Machine, which explores how both actors were caught in a storm of media and cultural forces beyond their control.