“Johnny Depp’s Controversial Reception at Cannes: A Respond to the Backlash”

The Cannes Film Festival started with a bang on Wednesday, May 17, 2023, with the opening-night premiere of “Jeanne du Barry,” a French-language drama directed by Maïwenn and starring Johnny Depp. The film chronicles the life of Louis XV and his relationship with the titular courtesan. However, most of the questions at the press conference that followed the premiere centered on Depp’s personal scandals. The actor had won a defamation suit against his ex-wife Amber Heard, who had alleged physical and sexual abuse, and had been ousted from the “Fantastic Beasts” franchise as a result of the legal battles.

###Depp’s Absence and Hollywood Boycott###

The press conference was delayed as Depp was 42 minutes late. The questions to Maïwenn were minimal, and none touched on the physical altercation the director had with a journalist who had been investigating sexual abuse allegations against the director Luc Besson, who fathered a child with Maïwenn when she was underage. Depp spoke mostly in metaphors and murmurs about the French-language requirements of the role before being asked whether he had felt boycotted by Hollywood.

Depp admitted to feeling boycotted when he was asked to resign from a film he was doing because of the allegations made against him, but he claimed that he doesn’t feel boycotted now: “But I don’t feel boycotted by Hollywood because I don’t think about it. I don’t have much further need for Hollywood myself.” He believes it’s a strange and funny time where everyone would love to be themselves but can’t be themselves; rather, they must follow the person in front of them.

###Controversy and Backlash###

Depp’s presence at the festival has generated a lot of controversy, and more than 100 actors have signed an open letter in Liberation criticizing the festival for allowing him to attend. Adèle Haenel, a star of “Portrait of a Lady on Fire,” also recently announced she would be retiring from the French film industry due to “its generalized complacency toward sexual aggressors.” Depp was reminded that some people thought that he shouldn’t have attended the Cannes festival. In response, he launched into a metaphor about being banned from McDonald’s before questioning why these people cared.

###Editorial and Advice###

While Depp is entitled to make his statement and move on with his life, the Hollywood film industry would be remiss to sweep allegations of domestic violence under the rug. The #MeToo movement has revealed the pervasive culture of abuse and exploitation in the film industry, showcasing that no one is above accountability. As an industry, we must take a critical look at the systemic issues that have allowed this culture of abuse to flourish. We must also commit to providing support to those who come forward with allegations of abuse and harassment. Depp’s statement that he didn’t have much further need for Hollywood reflects a lack of accountability and remorse. As we move forward, we must not forget that Hollywood is made up of people, and our actions impact each other.