Johnny Depp sparks outrage for framing #MeToo as personal attack

Johnny Depp has stirred controversy once again after referring to himself as a “crash test dummy for #MeToo” in a new interview. The comment came as he promoted the upcoming U.K. theatrical release of his directorial project Modi: Three Days on the Wing of Madness. Depp was addressing the allegations made by ex-wife Amber Heard in 2016, when she accused him of domestic abuse during their divorce.

Although Depp ultimately won his 2022 defamation trial against Heard, his latest remarks have reignited backlash online. Many social media users say he’s continuing to play the victim long after the case was settled and accuse him of using the trial to generate sympathy and publicity. Fans argued that instead of moving on, Depp appears to be clinging to the past, reframing the high-profile legal battle as part of his narrative while promoting his new film.

Johnny Depp reflects on the 2022 trial, saying he had to 'semi-eviscerate' himself

In a new interview with The Sunday Times, Depp reflected on his 2022 defamation trial against Heard, saying he felt forced to "semi-eviscerate" himself to protect the truth. “If I don’t try to represent the truth, it will be like I’ve actually committed the acts I’m accused of,” he said, adding that his motivation was also to protect his children.

Depp said he wasn’t nervous ahead of the trial, calling it a “roll of the dice” moment. He also shared that despite enduring “hit pieces and bullshit”, he was ready to “fight until the bitter end”, even if it meant losing his career.

Now making a return to acting with Day Drinker alongside Penélope Cruz, Depp said he has “no regrets” and is moving forward. The high-profile case, which followed a 2020 UK libel loss against The Sun, ended with a jury ruling that both Heard and Depp had defamed each other, revealing deeply personal details about their relationship.

Why the internet isn’t fully backing Johnny Depp despite winning the trial

The Pirates of the Caribbean star may have won his defamation case against his former wife, but public opinion about him remains divided. While many fans continue to support him, many have slammed him for calling himself a “crash test dummy” for a movement as significant as #MeToo, which has been a pivotal force for change for women across the industry.

For many, this statement felt tone-deaf. Users of X argue that Depp’s remarks diminish the broader purpose of the MeToo movement, making it about his personal battle rather than the widespread issue of abuse and accountability. Some say that by painting himself as a victim of the movement, he’s undermining survivors who risked everything to speak out.

One user wrote, "He really tells on himself when he says that this was about #MeToo. That's really what the Depp v. Heard trial was about: abusive men seeing that their power could slip, thus putting women back in their place by publicly humiliating and destroying an abuse victim for speaking out."

He really tells on himself when he says that this was about #MeToo. That's really what the Depp v. Heard trial was about: abusive men seeing that their power could slip, thus putting women back in their place by publicly humiliating and destroying an abuse victim for speaking out https://t.co/xPedb6D47W

Another said, "I'll say it again: Johnny Depp does not care about women if he is willing to publicly make a statement that lumps all of #metoo into one big group that hurt him. It makes all of the women involved look bad, and he, being a man with a lot of influence, knows that."

ill say it again: johnny depp does not care about women if he is willing to publicly make a statement that lumps all of metoo into one big group that hurt him. it makes all of the women involved look bad and him being a man with a lot of influence knows that.

"Not Johnny Depp STILL doing his 'poor me' bs while basically moving to the foreign country Amber Heard had to move to to escape the 'global humiliation' he promised AND delivered after years of his abuse. Amber Heard deserves better. She also deserves her career back," one user wrote.

Netizens also drag Chris Brown and Brad Pitt into the controversy

Netizens also dragged Chris Brown and Brad Pitt into the conversation, pointing to a larger pattern of men in the industry maintaining thriving careers despite serious allegations. Chris Brown, who was accused of assaulting Rihanna in 2009, recently came under fire again for hosting an “intimate fan event” where he charged over $1,200 for close-up photos and private meet-and-greets. Brad Pitt, meanwhile, is gearing up for a major comeback with his upcoming film F1, even as past allegations of physical abuse from ex-wife Angelina Jolie continue to shadow his public image.

World going to hell and on top of that we're being tortured by listening to johnny Depp and Brad Pitt crying about them being victims https://t.co/CIlPdeTCyA pic.twitter.com/K5DyJSHZyo

Many users argue that they’re tired of watching powerful men operate full-blown careers while avoiding real accountability, calling out the industry's selective memory when it comes to abuse allegations.

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