Yesterday, the story of the day was Johnny Depp’s November Vanity Fair cover profile, specifically some really odd and disgusting comments he made about his fame. Apparently, when Depp was describing the process of being photographed for a magazine photo shoot (like he was with Terry Richardson for Vanity Fair), Depp said: “Well, you just feel like you’re being raped somehow. Raped … It feels like a kind of weird — just weird, man… whenever you have a photo shoot or something like that, it’s like — you just feel dumb. It’s just so stupid.” Photo shoots = RAPE.
So, the fallout was considerable. Depp has always enjoyed a peculiar status in Hollywood – no matter how offbeat or out-right awful his choices are, his fan base is still considerable and unyielding. But the rape comments went too far, and people were pissed off. The Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN) issued a statement about Depp (much like they did with Kristen Stewart’s comments last year):
“While photos may feel at times intrusive, being photographed in no way compares to rape — a violent crime which affects another American every two minutes,” the organization’s spokesperson Katherine Hull told FOX411’s Pop Tarts column on Tuesday. “RAINN welcomes the opportunity to speak with Mr. Depp and educate him about the real life experiences faced by survivors every day, and ways that he can work with RAINN to help.”
So, in an unusual move for Depp, he came out immediately and apologized: “I am truly sorry for offending anyone in any way. I never meant to. It was a poor choice of words on my part in an effort to explain a feeling. I understand there is no comparison and I am very regretful. In an effort to correct my lack of judgment, please accept my heartfelt apology.” It’s like he cut-and-pasted Kristen Stewart’s apology! No, I accept Johnny’s apology, just as I accepted K-Stew’s. I think they both made the same hyperbolic mistake (“Reading this blog post is like being sodomized at gunpoint!”) and both were guilty of doing the same “woe is me, I’m so famous and my biggest problem is that people want to take my photo” pity party.
The spokesperson for RAINN accepted Depp’s apology too: “We hope to work with him to provide hope to victims of rape and make sure they get the help they deserve.” Considering Johnny was also bragging about all of the “stupid money” he’s making now, it would also be nice if he made a contribution to some rape treatment center or victims’ advocacy group.
Photos courtesy of WENN.
Yeah it was kinda idiotic. But it’s Johnny we’re talking about not some random K-Stew..so I’ll forgive him heh.
That’s what he had to do.
Good gesture.
Part of me is irked by this – I really like Depp but here’s a guy who is a gazillionaire many times over, lives a lifestyle we can only dream about in our wildest dreams, and he’s whining about being PHOTOGRAPHED?? Try dealing with worrying about keeping your job, putting food on the table, paying the mortgage or not being able to afford medical care – then you can whine.
@Jaded…I agree, and he should have known better.
maybe he felt so bcaz of terry richardson
thank you, JD.
at least it wasn’t “sorry if I offended anyone” – read: “sorry if you’re too sensitive and misinterpreted what I said” which is what you usually hear from these narcissistic people. JD’s apology definitely sounds like he realizes how stupid it was to use that word. he gets it.
now, if only he would recant his support of Polanski…
EDIT: Jaded, I felt the same way, and I said so in yesterday’s post. I am SO tired of hearing celebs complain about…well, about their celebrity. they go into this business BECAUSE they want to be famous, and then they complain when their fame causes them inconveniences.
Depp owns an ISLAND. That’s what his fame has gotten him. “but oh, woe is me! I have to have people fawn all over me and make me pretty so I can have my picture taken! and then I have to hop in my limo to get to my private jet to get to the island I own. yeah, I have it hard…”
PR damage control. Yeah, whatever…
Depp is just a stupid guy who thinks he’s cool. Nah you’re not.
Good that he apologized, but only after being called out. This man has been doing photo shoots for most of his adult life, longer than Stewart has been alive, and again, they are voluntary. It just shows that celebrities don’t live in the real world and that is a shame.
As I said on that previous thread, I think he heard about the negative reaction to his really stupid comments. It feels like he’s truly sorry and I hope he is indeed (and not just worried about his image).
It was a surprise to me that he’d say something so careless because I expect idiotic things coming out of despicable people’s mouths, not from the ones I love and admire.
Nice gesture, Johnny, now please take RAINN up on their offer. With two young daughters, you need some sensitivity training.
If you want to take the “cool” out of Johnny Depp, all you need to remember is he was born in Owensboro Kentucky, not the “cool” capitol of the world. Btw, I live in Lexington Kentucky, which thoroughbreds think it is “cool.” Owensboro…not so much! Remember they saying though it is crude, “you can take the hick out of the country, but you can’t take the country out of the hick.” Applies in Depp’s case…
poor choice of words only but he doesn’t look good in the cover !
Combine this with his support of Roman Polanski, it sounds like he’s got some *very* odd guidelines for what rape is. Photography = rape, forcing a 13-year-old to have sex, not so much. My moral compass must be off since I’m not understanding this.
And the PR scramble begins…
How come people mag and usweekly have not posted anything about this story
Ughh, I love Johnny Depp and I was so disappointed by this. It is so very ridiculous when celebrities complain even the smallest bit about their jobs and about fame. Quit all of it then. Refuse to do any more photo shoots. You don’t have to do them Johnny. Go live on your land in France and just be with your family. Like someone said before, he already has more money than his children and even grandchildren will ever need. Just absurd.
Another spoiled Hollywood celebrity with absolutely no idea how real people live and real complaints in life.
Yeah, he’s better give some money to those charities, to show he means it.
Depp you’ve been doing photo shoots for well over two decades or so. I don’t think NOW’s the time to bitch and moan even a little bit. You just frickin’ deal with it. Man I’d rather deal with glam photoshoots than to spend another mintute at my dead end job!
…and now we remember why he rarely does publicity. Bloated chode.
Appreciate the quick apology, but I’m over him. Complaining about having too much money? I no longer believe celebs who “quietly” donate. I’m totally Brad & Angie, who do so publicly, to set a good example. Sandra Bullock writes million dollar checks when there’s a natural disaster. Depp bought a private island so he can walk around nude so he;ll have no tan lines. Until he writes that check to RAINN – he never actually said they were talking. RAINN did. Until he publicly supports a cause, it’s just more words./grrrrrrr
Of course he was going to apologize, but a person in his po$ition can do more than utter an empty apology.
I think his original comment and suppport of Polanski(which I never knew about) speak volumes about his character. I’m over you, too, Johnny.
I just wish people in the public eye would remember this:
When you feel like comparing something to the Holocaust or Hitler, just stop.
When you feel like comparing something unpleasant to rape, just stop.
That is all.
Well, how about THAT?! He apologized. He’s just another H-wood bimbo that has gotten paid WAY MORE than he’s worth.
When someone like Depp gets paid way more than they’re worth, what is it exactly that we (general public) expect? He has no humility, he’s obviously not grounded…& in exemplary fashion, he gives and interview not only bitching about how being photographed makes him “feel raped,” he then goes on to disclose how filthy rich he is.
We’re getting EXACTLY what we’ve paid for. I just thank my lucky stars I’ve NEVER paid to see a Johnny Depp movie.
Edit: No one should hold their breath for him to donate ANY money to ANY charity. Remember what he said….”it’s all for the kids.” LMAO!
why is his face looking so feminine lately? he looks awful
I don’t know about his apology. He is amazing with his fans so its hard to not believe he is being sincere.
Glad he apologized, and I hope he truly realized what a bonehead thing to say that was, and considers that the next time he does an interview.
@ txvxf:
“Combine this with his support of Roman Polanski, it sounds like he’s got some *very* odd guidelines for what rape is. Photography = rape, forcing a 13-year-old to have sex, not so much. My moral compass must be off since I’m not understanding this.”
Word!
I lack respect for any celebrity who supports Roman Polanski or his ilk (Jodie Foster, I’m looking at you!).
I always thought Johnny was overrated. He’s attractive but I never bought into the hype. His whining about fame sealed it for me — any ‘hotness’ he once possessed is gone!
Unlike some people, if an actor/actress behaves or holds reprehensible views I stop liking them, doesn’t matter what they look like!
Jude Law is a good example of this. When he cheated with the nanny I went from viewing him as ‘hot’ to seeing him as a swarmy cad! Negated any appeal to him. Johnny is in the same camp now.
I’m make mistakes all the time and people who know me forgive me, so it’s the least I can do for a complete stranger.
“Considering Johnny was also bragging about all of the “stupid money” he’s making now, it would also be nice if he made a contribution to some rape treatment center or victims’ advocacy group.”
yes yes yes this is exactly what i was thinking-c’on johnny show us you really mean it and not just covering your own backside!
Nice he apologized. The only problem I have with it is that he didn’t actually know and understand his words were so offensive. The magazine interview was a while ago, right? So, he said it, went on with his days, and only when it was published did he understand what he said was offensive.
So really, he’s not sorry, he’s just sorry he got caught.
Several previous posters have already nailed it.
What I’d most like to hear from him is an apology for defending rapist Roman Polanski.
I get tired of celebrities talking out of both sides of their mouthes. In an interview that I read at another site, he speaks of making “stupid money” and then says he is saving it all for his kids. How much do his kids need? If he find “stupid money” distasteful, how about donating half of it to the children who really need it.
But he does seem nicer and more gracious than most celebrities…
Thank you Johnny – apology accepted! Can you come over for dinner tonight so I can show you how much I love your apology!
Love Johnny Depp!
Just because he decided to sell himself for (a LOT of) money doesn’t mean he gets to treat it as if he were in some way forced into it. If he wanted he could disappear form the public eye forever without having the need to work a single day the rest of his life. Woe is me indeed.
And because he’s a perfect stranger in the public light, he doesn’t get to say whatever he feels like it without consequences. I may have to forgive stuff from people I deal with, but what is he to me? No one whatsoever, he doesn’t even know I exist. I’m not supposed to hold him to the same (lower) standards I have to apply to the people around me.
If he doesn’t know how to talk, he should learn to shut his trap.
I love Johnny, but so tired of these celebs telling us how horrible it is to make lots of money. It’s not like they don’t know what celebs have gone through in the past.
I agree that he should make a donation to show he’s serious. Hard to tell how much is sincere vs. PR. Regardless, I’m sick of these entitled, whining celebrity man-boys. Give me a real man like Hamm or Owen any day. Could you see either one of them saying something this thoughtless?
I think I am getting more offended by his attitude about his “stupid millions” when folks are out of work and struggling to make ends meet. He has said he does not have a TV on his private island. I suggest he get one or read a newspaper to see what sturggling is really about and give some of his “stupid millions” to people who could use it. He should think about that when he is making the same Burton movie over and over again where he puts on Kabuki make-up and speaks in some squeaky voice and makes those millions–give some of it away Johnny, it won’t hurt.
In JD’s defense, many of us don’t know how hard it is to be celebrities. That much $$ doesn’t come easy. Long hours of work, having to keep up with a respectable image and reputation, being scrutinized constantly, always in the public eye and having to deal with ppl talking sh*t about you. It’s almost inhumane not to understand why they constantly have these meltdowns. Hollywood will break you if you don’t grow thick skin. I for one, would be extremely tired of through with paparazzi constantly following me so they could sell my picture and write lies about me b/c half of the things on the tabs are lies ppl. Yes, he chose the entertainment biz, but he chose to do something he loves, the art of ACTING. Yes it comes with perks, but it’s not all glamorous behind closed doors. I still love JD and truly believe he is sorry for his poor choice of words.
i am glad he apologized [for the rape victims out there, it must be nice seeing how people can backtrack from insensitive comments] but still cannot stand that he has defended an actual rapist [polanski]
@Jenn (37)
That’s a very good point.
@23 MollyB – I just copied your post and sent it out as a tweet (with credit to you, of course). Perfect advice of us to live by.
Johnny Depp saying it is a bit less offensive than K-Stew – although she is sooooo famous that I missed her saying it…
Johnny is a guy he doesn’t “get” rape like we do. It’s not an excuse but it’s something to think about. K-Stew should hopefully know what it’s like to look back when you are walking alone to your parking space and all that stuff that is just part of daily existence as a woman. I have never been raped – thank goodness but that a woman would use that term is much more offensive to me.
This said, I’m not a huge fan. I never have been. I’m not a mainstream kind of girl but I find him odd and unclean. He’s an actor not a rock star no matter what he thinks.
Interesting how he’s taking rape so seriously now after he signed the petition to release known rapist, Roman Polanski.
I honestly don’t care what he says, but i will not for one second believe he really understand how serious and/or damaging rape really is and that is apparent through his words and his actions.
he has a daughter and a son, not two daughters, but case in point: males and females have been the victims of rape…as well as many underage minors and children.
yea,i’m now officiallyl over JD.
i always was part of the JD is cool camp b/c he was under the radar and just did his own thing.
well,, he’s now been saturated in exposure. and his trendy interesting choices of films are now ordinary b/c he’s done them so damn much.
and all of his interviews are the same, normally. i mean every tiem he’s on letterman, it’s the same stuff….
i never go t every movie even if i love the actor-like cate blanchett, still haven’t seen all and only watched part of ‘babel’ on video. uugh.
so i’m not that kind of fan anyway.
Still, rum diary looks kind of good and funny/entertaining…
Geeze Louise he looks good with a shaved face!!! Mamma likey!!
@ Cam (#43), @ kay (#31), @ Jenn (#37), @ MollyB (#23), & many others on this thread – I agree with the points you make. Depp at this point is beyond privileged & out of touch, and I think this is more damage control than a heartfelt apology. I appreciate that he bothered to apologise, but I don’t think he quite “gets” the furor that erupted over his choice of words. Cam captures what I’m trying to say quite well: “…I will not for one second believe he really understands how serious and/or damaging rape really is and that is apparent through his words and his actions.”
At any rate, Johnny, you’ve lost this hard-core fan of almost 20 years.
@ Lisa, please wake up and smell the coffee. Your post defending the hard work of celebrities, makes me wonder if you aren’t a celebrity, stalking sites like this to see what is written about you.
A lot of bitter Bettys here. He is a celebrity. That doesn’t mean he should be bent over backwards. It wasn’t all that long ago when celebs were given a small amount of privacy, now they cant even tinkle in their giant fenced in backyard bushes without the whole world seeing close ups of their privates. No one deserves that invasion of privacy. I can see him being frustrated. He has kids, a wife, a life outside of making movies and he can’t fart without an essay on what he probably ate. Its disturbing.
Johnny Depp does give to quite a bit of money to different charities. He is not a bad guy.
The thing is, if doing a photo shoot grates him so much as to compare it to rape (which is so ludicrous and extremely insensitive), them stop doing photo shoots. Put in your contract with whoever that you want no part of them. Stop complaining when there are so many people out there that don’t even have a meal to eat today. It’s ignorant and saying out of touch is an understatement. And when giving an interview for millions to read, these celebs need to think before they speak if they don’t want backlash.
I also don’t get his support of Polanski. That is insane.
@ZenB!tch – “Johnny Depp saying it is a bit less offensive than K-Stew – although she is sooooo famous that I missed her saying it…
Johnny is a guy he doesn’t “get” rape like we do. It’s not an excuse but it’s something to think about. K-Stew should hopefully know what it’s like to look back when you are walking alone to your parking space and all that stuff that is just part of daily existence as a woman. I have never been raped – thank goodness but that a woman would use that term is much more offensive to me.”
How does that work? There are plenty of men who’s wives, mothers, daughters, and sisters who have been raped, and are well aware of it, and would never use a word like rape to describe something other than actual sexual assualt.
You know, I’ve been sexually assualted, and when I finally told my parents, my father was devasted that something like that would happen to me, and was angry that there was no way for him to protect me from that.
But even before my assualt, my dad would always warn me that something could happen to me, and had me take self defense classes.
So, no, Johnny doesn’t get a pass nor was it less offensive when he described photoshoots as akin to rape.
@ZenB!tch I personally do not agree with the statement that because he is of the opposite sex it somehow makes his words less offensive than when a woman says it. Specially when there are men out there who are capable of “getting it.” for example, John Hamm: http://jezebel.com/5845721/jon-hamm-talks-about-rape-and-the-lack-of-positive-male-role-models
My point is just that an ignorant comment, is an ignorant comment, whether it comes from a man or woman. I personally find it irresponsible to put more blame on a woman and let the comments of a man slide because he might not “get it” as much a we do. The whole issue here is that he doesn’t “get it.” He was being just as ignorant as KStew was and they should both be subjected to the same level of accountability for their comments. But that’s just my opinion.
@sam: “Bitter Bettys”? There are women posting on here who have actually been raped. Do you think you can compare that experience to a photo shoot? Depp has two young daughters. If one of them was ever raped, can you imagine him saying “Oh baby, I’m so sorry, I know exactly how you feel, I went through the same thing on my photo shoot”?
ZenB!tch – Johnny Depp saying it is a bit less offensive than K-Stew
==============================================
As I posted on the other thread, I guy I used to work with once told me that rape is more traumatic for a man than it is for a woman because “women are used to it”. I wanted to kick him smack-dab in the cojones. Some guys truly do not get it.
Now if he would just apologize for the last three POTC movies, that he’s wearing eyeliner and his ugly tattoos I think I’ll sleep a little easier.
Just because a celebrity, opens their mouth and inserts their foot does not mean they should then open their wallet and donate.
Yeah, definitely a bad choice in words. But in his case and in K-Stew’s case it was a bad choice of words. We’ve all made politically incorrect and offensive statements. The only difference is their words got published.
Unless a racial slur is used, I tend to be rather forgiving of celebrities making stupid comments. They need to be allowed to do so once in awhile.
How does this pass work?
On some celebrities a written apology is all?
Some get grilled on TV about their OWN past life statement after they apologized and is Still crucified because their NEW life is not want we want for them?
How are the lines drawn, so I will know in the future?
His entire article made fools of his supporters who apparently have spent billions on his films for his kids, but he looks nice enough, so it is okay?
I am lost on this. He chose the word RAPE, not bored or uninteresting for his interview and it will be glossed over. Okay.
Furthermore, men can be victims of rape as well and do represent 10% of rape victims in the US. So, they very well can experience it and there is no excuse for him not “getting it” because of his gender or bits. Really, how about we not give him easy excuses based on those things because it makes it seem like rape is not a man’s problem, when it is not only as victims, but as rapists.
I won’t hold him not apologizing until he was called on it against him. Many people don’t apologize until they are called on it–I’m just happy he apologized once he realized his mistake and the apology was genuine, rather than a “you guys are too sensitive and f you feminists” attitude.
Sam: A “Bitter Betty”?!? Hardly–but I AM a rape survivor, and condemning Johhny Depp’s shockingly insensitive, ignorant words is not “bitterness” but a matter of being genuinely appalled, hurt, and offended. Rape itself is a traumatizing and henious, brutal act–anyone who has survived it will attest to that. It can and often does scar people for life.So for some out-of-touch, oblivious, smug, overprivliged movie star to use the word rape as he used it–comparing it to a PHOTO SHOOT, which HE chose to do, everyone fawning over him in an attempt to make him look his very best, as he sits back and is lavishly, devotedly attended to–is outrageous. It speaks volumes of his lack of humility and sensitivity and decency. Along w/ his defense of Polanski, I think all the necessary evidence points to his being a blindly self centered and unlikable human being.
i accept his apology, if he bothered to make it, he must mean it, there have been other celebs, who have no remorse, or don’t feel compel to even respond, we are all human, we make mistakes, simple, he sounds sincere, i hope he is.
Maybe so, Iggles, and I understand why people would write either one off, but in Jude’s case, his cheating on Sienna Miller (who NEVER gets my sympathy, her mouth utters even dumber things than Depp) hardly compares to Johnny’s rape comment. Remember, Sienna Miller was partying, flirting, and sitting on the laps of married men in LA while Jude was working in NOLA and wanted Sienna with him. He tried to get her to stay with him some, but all she wanted to do was sleep and party. So if you’re girlfriend won’t be with you because she’s off acting like a blow-up party doll with other men, then get it with the one you’re with, I say. What man is going to go without sex if his SO neglects him? She had some responsibility in all that, I say.
Johnny’s comments were those of a spoiled douche who has forgotten what it’s like to earn a meager living in Owensboro, KY, U.S. freakin A.!!!!!!!
Lisa, are you kidding me? None of what Johnny’s life is about compares to working at a Cracker Barrel. Long hours, getting stiffed after giving excellent service, hurt pride….compared to Johnny’s life? Sorry….I don’t feel sorry that he resented having to get his picture taken in a planned, controlled photo shoot to promote his film so he could earn millions more dollars and then have the rest of his life off if he wanted. If he had his privacy violated like the celebs in England, then I’d say I felt for him. But not for participating in a photo shoot.
Maybe he should have compared his celebrity to prostitution instead, since he agrees to perform for a fee. Not my problem if he feels dirty about taking the money in the morning.
… But this is absolutely nowhere close to rape. He obviously lacks empathy and any sense of morality since there are definitely people in his life who have experienced such things. Very telling.
So what we need is a word that means a situation is not under your control and you feel like people are using you (because that’s what I think he meant to say), but doesn’t have the awful connotations of the word rape, which is a hundred times worse. If there isn’t such a word there should be, so people don’t use the “r” word inappropriately. I vow if I ever become a celebrity to remain completely mute so I don’t slip, make a mistake, and piss off millions.
Okay…JD.
Now, I just want some of his ‘stupid’ money…
Hmm… How does one go about making ‘stupid’ money?
Do you have to be ‘stupid’ yourself or do ‘stupid’ people have to give it to you?
Is it okay to just have the ‘stupid’ money? Or should you aim for ‘stupider’ and ‘stupidest’ money?
Anyway, I really wud love some of your ‘stupid’ money, Johnny boy :-)!
@christian_girl. ITA. I cud see it coming… It’s gonna b 4gotten and he’l continue to make the ‘stupid’ money. Cos condoning a rapist and using that R word is SO MUCH betta than talking abt one’s past…;-)
I used to be a huge JD fan until I realized how close he was to Roman Polanski. They are very good friends and he doesn’t seem to have a problem with Roman Polanski’s past. Every time I see JD on the big screen all I can think about is whether or not he let’s his daughter Lily spend quality time with uncle Roman. It really creeps me out.
Mr. Depp, Having a shotgun pointed at your head and having your clothes ripped off you and be threatened with death and family members stalked and killed if a victim should choose to go to the police, should never be compared to being photographed.
Funny how people with empathy/sympathy for pedophiles and rapists seem to flock together. Hollywood and most “Christian” churches house the same societal termites.
@dusty, jazz- I’m a fan of JD and just as we work hard they do too. The difference is their job comes with perks, fame and lots of money. I honestly don’t care if you agree with me or not nor do I look for ppl’s approval when I comment on these blogs. I’m just saying we don’t know how hard they work. We just see the glamorous side of fame. We don’t see the ugly. Yes, he used a poor choice of words and he was wrong for that, but can we stop the crucifixion.
Someone here wrote: “They go into this business because they want to be famous.” Not necessarily so at all and can’t be said about Johnny Depp. He’s very low-key. He’s a phenomenal actor. He went into the business because of the enjoyment and satisfaction that comes with doing something you love, in his case, acting. If it’s an industry that pays oodles of money for people with his extraordinary talent, that’s not his fault. And, there’s nothing wrong it either. The studios make bundles of money. Why shouldn’t the actor’s? These people that begrudge others of having money they don’t have often bug the living crap out of me. I am one of the “don’t have’s” but I don’t demonize those that do have. That’s crazy thinking. As if they are evil for having chosen a career that pays well.
As far as the “rape” comment he clearly didn’t mean to offend anyone (which was obvious in his interview) and he apologized sincerely for it, which was what he should’ve done and DID do. End of that story. No need to hang him up by his toenail’s for the next century over it. It’s over. Move on people.
And griping about a photo shoot was fine too. It’s part of the context of the discussion regarding people that are in the limelight. It was fine for him to complain about it in the same way you might complain about a part of your job that you’re not nuts about. To go off on a tangent about… how dare he be bothered about a photo shoot when I am bothered about my mortgage payments is just a combination of immaturity and jealousy on the part of the person that makes such a ridiculous apples to oranges criticism.