Johnny Depp on Cancel Culture: How It Nearly Ended His Career

Johnny Depp has been an outspoken critic of cancel culture, describing it as a force “so far out of hand” that “no one is safe” from its consequences. Speaking at the San Sebastián Film Festival in September 2021, Depp warned of how quickly a single statement can lead to severe fallout. “It takes one sentence and there’s no more ground, the carpet has been pulled,” he said, expressing deep concern that cancel culture has become normalized—even when it leads to injustice.

Depp’s personal ordeal with cancel culture was thrust into the spotlight amid his highly publicized defamation trial against ex-wife Amber Heard. He has referred to himself as a “crash test dummy” for the #MeToo movement, suggesting he was unfairly vilified by media narratives. Despite a 2022 jury verdict largely in his favor—awarding him $10 million in compensatory damages—the toll on his career was significant. Depp lost major roles, including his part in the Fantastic Beasts franchise, and endured widespread industry backlash.

In a recent interview with The Sunday Times, Depp reiterated that the legal battle was necessary to defend his reputation and protect his family. “I’ll fight until the bitter f—ing end,” he vowed, showing no regrets for pursuing the case. He also revealed feelings of personal betrayal as some former Hollywood allies distanced themselves during the trial.

Despite the setbacks, Depp remains active in the entertainment world. His latest film, the French period drama Jeanne du Barry, premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, and he continues to engage with his music and art. Yet, the actor has expressed a desire to retreat somewhat from the glare of fame, feeling the pressures and scrutiny have become overwhelming.

Johnny Depp’s candid reflections on cancel culture reveal the precariousness of reputation in today’s media landscape—and how even the most celebrated stars can find themselves fighting to reclaim their careers and their voices.