Johnny Depp compares himself to OJ Simpson while discussing Hollywood exile after Amber Heard controversy
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: In a recent interview, actor Johnny Depp made an unusual comparison, likening his Hollywood exile after the Amber Heard legal saga to OJ Simpson's fall from grace.
The 61-year-old Hollywood veteran revealed to The Hollywood Reporter that stepping into his roles has been a source of relief amid the chaos, saying that, in some ways, his experience of public judgment mirrored Simpson's highly publicized legal battles.
Johnny Depp compares his Hollywood exile to problems faced by OJ Simpson
Promoting his latest film, 'Modì', Depp reflected on finding solace in acting, even as the turmoil of his personal life played out on the world stage.
“It is also helpful in certain instances, especially when things are crumbling all around,” Depp shared.
He elaborated on how embodying a character allowed him to escape the weight of his reality. “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.”
The comparison to Simpson, the former NFL star famously acquitted of murder in the 1995 "trial of the century," is notable. Despite his acquittal, Simpson’s career never fully recovered, and the scandal remained part of his legacy.
Depp’s Hollywood exile appears to resonate similarly with him, following his prolonged and highly publicized legal disputes with former wife Amber Heard.
Despite the hardships that accompanied his legal battles, Depp says he’s emerged without bitterness, striving to move forward. The actor’s courtroom clashes with Heard, who is 38, became a high-profile media sensation, dividing fans and casting a shadow over both their careers. But now, Depp says he refuses to dwell on anger or resentment.
“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,” Depp reflected.
He recounted the mix of emotions he felt during his legal turmoil. “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.”
Johnny Depp's statement comes two years after his legal battle with Amber Heard concluded
The actor emphasized that holding onto negativity isn't part of his nature, a sentiment he shared with the publication.
“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?” Depp asked rhetorically, seemingly signaling his readiness to move on and focus on future endeavors.
His statement comes two years after his legal battle with Heard concluded, a saga that saw Depp attempting to clear his name amidst serious accusations.
Their relationship, which ended after a brief 15-month marriage and a contentious $7 million divorce settlement in 2017, was marked by allegations from both sides, each accusing the other of abuse.
Depp, who claims he lost significant work opportunities and faced intense scrutiny, has made it clear that he prefers to leave that chapter in the past. In addition to discussing the fallout of his legal battles, Depp is actively promoting 'Modì,' his latest film project.
The movie, his second venture into directing, brings the story of Italian artist Amedeo Modigliani to life. Based on Dennis McIntyre's 1980 three-act play 'Modigliani,' the biopic follows three pivotal days in Modigliani's life in Paris circa 1916.
Depp, who last directed the film 'The Brave' in 1997, is determined to showcase a nuanced portrayal of the iconic artist’s life.
