Johnny Depp Holds Back Tears After Getting 7-Minute Standing Ovation as Actor Makes Cannes Return Post Amber Heard Trial
Tuesday night’s presentation of Jeanne Du Barry, the opening night picture of the Cannes Film Festival, saw a rapturous seven-minute standing ovation for Johnny Depp’s comeback feature. Depp fought back tears as the Southern French audience erupted in raucous ovation for his portrayal of King Louis XV. He raised his hand to the balcony audience and appeared surprised by their response.
Due to the accusations made against Depp by his ex-wife Amber Heard in their widely reported defamation lawsuit last year, Cannes director Thierry Fremaux has faced criticism for his choice to have Depp’s film open the festival.
Johnny Depp’s Long-Awaited Return After Amber Heard Trial
At the famous 2023 Cannes Film Festival on Tuesday, Johnny Depp made his first public appearance following his defamation lawsuit against ex-wife Amber Heard. His historical drama Jeanne du Barry served as the festival’s opening film.
Thousands of adoring admirers waved banners outside the Palais and trembled as they attempted to touch Depp as he arrived in Cannes. Many people were successful in getting in touch with Depp, who spent five solid minutes working the outer fan queue before walking the carpet.
Signs reading “We love Johnny” and “Congrats Johnny” were visible in the throng, in stark contrast to the growing criticism in other countries and online due to the scandal surrounding Depp following the 6-week trial.
Depp’s most well-known acting role since the resolution of his 2022 legal dispute with his ex-wife Amber Heard is Jeanne du Barry. Following the contentious trial, Depp’s attendance at Cannes drew criticism from many who believed it sent the wrong message.
Despite the fact that the jury found in Depp’s favor, the abuse claims that came to light during the trial have kept the actor out of Hollywood. Prior to opening night, festival director Thierry Fremaux addressed the media and mentioned Depp’s attendance at Cannes.
Cannes director Thierry Fremaux defended the selection, lauded Depp as an actor, and claimed he paid little attention to the trial in comments to the press.
“To tell you the truth, in my life, I only have one rule, it’s the freedom of thinking, the freedom of speech, and the freedom to act within a legal framework,” said Fremaux. “We only know one thing, it’s the justice system and I think he won the legal case,” Fremaux added.
Since his 2018 lawsuit against The Sun, which he lost when a UK court determined that the tabloid’s description of him as a “wife beater” was “substantially true,” Depp has not been cast in a major US movie.
Also Read: “Don’t know why she chose him”: Cannes Film Festival Chief Honors Johnny Depp, Disses Amber Heard
Johnny Depp’s Jeanne du Barry Triggers Controversy
The 76th Cannes Film Festival began on Tuesday with the red-carpet premiere of French director Mawenn’s historical drama Jeanne du Barry, about the scandalous relationship between the French king Louis XV and a lowly courtesan. The film stars Johnny Depp as the monarch in a high-profile comeback that has generated plenty of controversy.
The choice for the first night has generated some debate. At the customary pre-festival press conference on Monday, festival director Thierry Frémaux—usually calm under pressure—was bombarded with inquiries about upcoming protests by French labor unions, the festival’s position on the Hollywood writers’ strike, and its response to a French actress’ open letter accusing the festival of defending “rapists” and Johnny Depp.
“If Johnny Depp had been banned from acting in a film, or the film was banned we wouldn’t be here talking about it,” Frémaux said in defense.
“I don’t know what it’s about. I also care about Johnny Depp as an actor,” he added.
As he embarks on more acting jobs, it will become clear whether the raving reviews of Depp’s performance in Jeanne du Barry at Cannes actually mean anything. Next, Depp will rejoin with Al Pacino as he directs a Modigliani biopic.
Jeanne Du Barry is playing in theaters in France now, while its U.S. release plan is not yet announced.
Source: Page Six
