Johnny Depp shares personal struggles, likens ex-wife Amber Heard's defamation trial to 'soap opera'
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Johnny Depp alluded to his personal struggles during a press conference for his latest film, 'Modi: Three Days on the Wing of Madness', which he directed.
At the press event for the film, Depp spoke about how he relates to the chaos and challenges faced by the film's protagonist.
Johnny Depp reflects on film 'Modi' being relatable
Johnny Depp's film, 'Modi', which is based on the life of Italian artist Amedeo Modigliani, was unveiled on September 24 at the 72nd San Sebastian International Film Festival in Spain.
"Each has their story. Sure, we can say that I’ve been through a number of things here and there. But, you know, I’m alright," Depp laughingly said at the event.
Without directly mentioning it, the 'Public Enemies' actor appeared to refer to his highly publicized 2022 defamation trial involving ex-wife Amber Heard.
Johnny Depp's allusions to Amber Heard's defamation trial
Acknowledging the extraordinary scrutiny he faced, Johnny Depp hinted at the intense public interest in the trial against Amber Heard.
Referencing how the defamation trial was live-streamed for public viewing, the actor said, "Maybe yours didn’t turn into a soap opera, televised, in fact."
The lawsuit, in which a jury in Virginia largely sided with Depp, revolved around claims Heard made about domestic abuse.
Heard, who now living a quiet life in Madrid with her three-year-old daughter, settled the defamation case by paying Depp $1 million to conclude the trial proceedings.
"We all experience and go through what we go through. And those things that we are able to live and remember and use, these are your stripes. You never forget them," said Depp, according to People.
Role of cameras in Johnny Depp, Amber Heard trial
During the defamation trial, Camille Vasquez, one of Johnny Depp’s lawyers, emphasized how important it was for the actor to share his side of the story with the world.
Explaining Depp's decision to allow cameras into the courtroom, Vasquez said, "It was incredibly important that Mr Depp be able to reach his fans and show them the evidence that the jury was evaluating."
However, Heard’s legal team fought against the presence of cameras during the trial.
Voicing concerns over the media frenzy that enveloped the trial, capturing the attention of millions worldwide, Elaine Charlson Bredehoft, one of Heard's attorneys stated that "social media completely hijacked that trial."