Major Controversies Surrounding Johnny Depp: A Detailed Timeline

Public opinion and media debates around Johnny Depp—discover key moments of controversy.

Johnny Depp is a highly acclaimed American actor and musician recognized with Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild Awards, along with multiple Academy Award and BAFTA nominations. Known for portraying eccentric characters, his films have generated over $10.8 billion globally, establishing him as a box-office success and a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Controversies & Scandals

1989: Arrested for assaulting a security guard

In 1989, Johnny Depp was arrested in Vancouver for assaulting a security guard after the police were called to end a loud party at his hotel room.

1994: Arrested for damaging a hotel room

In 1994, Johnny Depp was arrested in New York City after causing significant damage to his room at The Mark Hotel, where he was staying with Kate Moss, his girlfriend. The charges were dropped after he agreed to pay US$9,767 in damages.

1999: Arrested for brawling with paparazi

In 1999, Johnny Depp was arrested for brawling with paparazi, when the photographers tried to take his picture. He allegedly threatened them with a wooden plank when they approached him outside Mirabelle restaurant in central London on an early Sunday morning.

2011: Alleged Assault at Los Angeles Concert

During a 2011 concert in Los Angeles, UC Irvine medical professor Robin Eckert was allegedly roughed up by Johnny Depp's bodyguards, leading to injuries including a dislocated elbow. She later sued Depp and the security firms involved.

2012: Dark Shadows Underperforms at box office

In 2012, Johnny Depp's film "Dark Shadows" underperformed at the box office. He also received negative publicity due to allegations of domestic violence, substance abuse, poor on-set behavior and the loss of his US$650 million fortune.

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2012: Lawsuit over Alleged Assault at Concert

In 2012, UC Irvine medical professor Robin Eckert sued Johnny Depp and three security firms, alleging she was roughed up by his bodyguards at a 2011 concert in Los Angeles, resulting in injuries. Depp settled the case with Eckert for an undisclosed sum before it went to trial.

2013: The Lone Ranger underperforms at box office

In 2013, Johnny Depp's film "The Lone Ranger" underperformed at the box office. He also received negative publicity due to allegations of domestic violence, substance abuse, poor on-set behavior and the loss of his US$650 million fortune.

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April 2015: Dog Quarantine Controversy in Australia

In April 2015, Johnny Depp and his then-wife Amber Heard violated Australia's biosecurity laws by failing to declare their two dogs to customs when they arrived in Queensland. Heard pleaded guilty to falsifying quarantine documents and was placed on a good behavior bond. They also released a video apologizing for their actions.

May 23, 2016: Amber Heard filed for divorce

On May 23, 2016, Amber Heard filed for divorce from Johnny Depp and obtained a temporary restraining order against him, alleging verbal and physical abuse.

August 2016: Settlement reached in divorce with Amber Heard

In August 2016, a settlement was reached in Johnny Depp's divorce with Amber Heard. Heard dismissed the restraining order, and they issued a joint statement.

2016: Alice Through the Looking Glass underperforms at box office

In 2016, Johnny Depp's film "Alice Through the Looking Glass" underperformed at the box office. He also received negative publicity due to allegations of domestic violence, substance abuse, poor on-set behavior and the loss of his US$650 million fortune.

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January 2017: Lawsuits Against TMG and Bloom Hergott

In January 2017, Johnny Depp sued The Management Group (TMG) for alleged embezzlement and improper management of his money. He also sued his lawyers, Bloom Hergott, in a related suit.

January 2017: Divorce from Amber Heard finalized

In January 2017, Johnny Depp's divorce from Amber Heard was finalized. Depp paid Heard a divorce settlement of US$7 million, which she pledged to donate to the ACLU and the Children's Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA).

2017: Controversial Comment at Glastonbury Festival

At the Glastonbury Festival in 2017, Johnny Depp made a controversial comment criticizing President Donald Trump, which was interpreted as a reference to John Wilkes Booth. He later apologized for the remark.

April 2018: Libel lawsuit against News Group Newspapers

In April 2018, Johnny Depp brought a libel lawsuit in the UK against News Group Newspapers (NGN), publishers of The Sun, over an article titled "GONE POTTY How Can J K Rowling be 'genuinely happy' casting wife beater Johnny Depp in the new Fantastic Beasts film?".

September 2018: City of Lies pulled from release schedule

In September 2018, the release of "City of Lies", starring Johnny Depp, was pulled from the release schedule after a crew member sued Depp for assault.

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December 2018: Amber Heard wrote op-ed for The Washington Post

In December 2018, Amber Heard wrote an op-ed for The Washington Post about sexual violence.

2018: Lawsuit for Allegedly Hitting Crew Member on 'City of Lies' Set

In 2018, Johnny Depp was sued for allegedly hitting and verbally insulting a crew member while under the influence of alcohol on the set of 'City of Lies'. A settlement was tentatively reached in July 2022.

2018: Bodyguards Sue Depp for Unpaid Wages and Unsafe Working Conditions

In 2018, two of Johnny Depp's former bodyguards filed a lawsuit against him, alleging unpaid wages and unsafe working conditions.

February 2019: Depp sued Heard for defamation

In February 2019, Johnny Depp sued Amber Heard for defamation over her December 2018 op-ed for The Washington Post.

April 2020: Adam Waldman made statements published in the Daily Mail

In April 2020, Johnny Depp's then-lawyer, Adam Waldman, made statements published in the Daily Mail, alleging that Amber Heard had perpetrated an "abuse hoax" against Depp.

July 2020: Libel trial against The Sun

In July 2020, the libel case against News Group Newspapers, publishers of The Sun, had a highly publicized trial, with both Johnny Depp and Amber Heard testifying for several days.

August 2020: Heard countersued Depp

In August 2020, Amber Heard countersued Johnny Depp, alleging that he had coordinated a harassment campaign against her.

October 2020: Judge dismissed Depp's lawyer Adam Waldman

In October 2020, the judge in the Depp v. Heard case dismissed Johnny Depp's lawyer Adam Waldman after he leaked confidential information to the media.

November 2020: Resignation from Fantastic Beasts franchise

In November 2020, Johnny Depp resigned from his role as Grindelwald in the Fantastic Beasts franchise at the request of Warner Bros., after losing his UK libel case against The Sun.

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November 2020: High Court of Justice rules against Depp in libel case; Depp resigns from Fantastic Beasts franchise

In November 2020, the High Court of Justice ruled that 12 of the 14 incidents of physical violence alleged by NGN occurred and that in three of them, Depp had put Heard "in fear of her life". The court rejected Depp's claim of a hoax. Following the verdict, Depp resigned from the Fantastic Beasts franchise after being asked to do so by its production company, Warner Bros.

2020: Admission of Addiction During Libel Trial

During his 2020 libel trial, Johnny Depp admitted to having been addicted to Roxicodone and to having misused alcohol, also admitting to using substances like marijuana, MDMA and cocaine, but denied being addicted to them.

March 2021: Appeal to overturn verdict rejected

In March 2021, Johnny Depp's appeal to overturn the verdict in the libel case against The Sun was rejected by the England and Wales Court of Appeal.

March 2021: City of Lies Release and Petition for Pirates Return

In March 2021, the film "City of Lies" was released in theaters and on streaming services. Also in March 2021, a petition to bring Johnny Depp back to the "Pirates of the Caribbean" franchise reached 500,000 signatures.

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July 2021: Accusations of MGM burying Minamata

In July 2021, the director of "Minamata" (2020), Andrew Levitas, accused MGM of trying to bury the film due to Johnny Depp's involvement. Depp also claimed he was being boycotted by the Hollywood industry.

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August 2021: New York judge ruled that the ACLU must disclose documents related to Heard's charity pledge

In August 2021, a New York judge ruled that the ACLU must disclose documents related to Amber Heard's charity pledge to the organization.

September 2021: Depp Describes Himself as Victim of Cancel Culture and Launches IN.2

In September 2021, Johnny Depp described himself as a victim of cancel culture. Also, in September 2021, he launched IN.2, a London-based sister company to his production company, Infinitum Nihil, and announced that IN.2 and A Contracorriente Films were starting a new development fund for TV and film projects.

June 1, 2022: Depp v. Heard trial concluded

On June 1, 2022, the Depp v. Heard trial concluded in Fairfax County, Virginia. During the trial, Heard accused Depp of domestic abuse, and Depp accused Heard of physical and verbal abuse.

August 2022: Accusations of Plagiarism and Lawsuit Over "Sad Motherfuckin' Parade"

In August 2022, Johnny Depp and Jeff Beck were accused of plagiarizing lyrics for their song "Sad Motherfuckin' Parade" from an incarcerated African American man's poem. Bruce Jackson requested credit for Slim Wilson. Depp and Beck then sued Jackson, claiming originality. This lawsuit is ongoing.

December 2022: Heard and Depp settled the case

In December 2022, Amber Heard and Johnny Depp settled their defamation case. Heard maintained it was "not an act of concession". Depp pledged to donate the settlement money to charities.

2025: Depp spoke about the lawsuit in an interview with The Sunday Times

In 2025, Johnny Depp spoke about the lawsuit in an interview with The Sunday Times, stating that he wanted to represent the truth for his kids and kids he had met in hospitals.