Major Controversies Surrounding Johnny Depp: A Detailed Timeline

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

John Christopher Depp II is a highly successful American actor and musician, celebrated for his diverse roles and eccentric characters. He has won a Golden Globe Award and received multiple nominations for prestigious awards like the Academy Awards and British Academy Film Awards. Depp's films have collectively grossed over $8 billion globally, establishing him as a prominent and financially successful figure in Hollywood.

Sections (5)

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

1989: Arrest in Vancouver

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

1991: Depp's explanation of the incident

In 1991, Johnny Depp gave his account of the incident in Vancouver, where he was arrested for assaulting a security guard in 1989.

1993: Alcohol abuse during 'What's Eating Gilbert Grape?'

In 1993, Johnny Depp abused alcohol during the filming of 'What's Eating Gilbert Grape?'.

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1994: Arrest in New York City

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

1997: Acknowledged Past Alcohol Abuse

In a 1997 interview, Johnny Depp acknowledged his past abuse of alcohol during the filming of What's Eating Gilbert Grape? (1993).

1999: Arrest for brawling with paparazi

In 1999, Johnny Depp was arrested for brawling with paparazi who were trying to take his picture outside Mirabelle restaurant in central London.

2008: Statement on Alcohol Poisoning

In a 2008 interview, Johnny Depp stated that he had "poisoned" himself with alcohol "for years".

2011: Alleged assault incident at concert

In 2011, prior to a lawsuit filed in 2012, Robin Eckert alleges that she was roughed up by Johnny Depp's bodyguards at a concert in Los Angeles. According to Eckert, she was hand-cuffed and dragged 40 feet across the floor, resulting in a dislocated elbow and other injuries.

2012: Lawsuit over alleged assault

In 2012, UC Irvine medical professor Robin Eckert sued Johnny Depp and security firms, claiming she was roughed up by his bodyguards at a Los Angeles concert in 2011, resulting in injuries. The case was later settled for an undisclosed sum.

2013: The Lone Ranger Release

In 2013, Johnny Depp starred as Tonto in "The Lone Ranger". The film was not well-received, causing Disney a US$190 million loss.

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April 2015: Breach of Australia's biosecurity laws

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 upon arrival in Queensland. Heard pleaded guilty to falsifying quarantine documents and was placed on a one-month good behavior bond. They also released a video apologizing for their actions.

May 23, 2016: Heard Files 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.

January 2017: Lawsuits against TMG and Bloom Hergott

In January 2017, Johnny Depp sued The Management Group (TMG) for alleged embezzlement and mismanagement of his finances, leading to substantial debt. Depp also sued his lawyers, Bloom Hergott, in a related suit.

2017: Controversial comment at Glastonbury Festival

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

April 2018: Libel Lawsuit Against The Sun

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?".

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December 2018: Amber Heard's Op-Ed in The Washington Post

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

2018: Lawsuit over alleged on-set assault

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".

2018: Bodyguards' lawsuit for unpaid wages and unsafe conditions

In 2018, two of Johnny Depp's former bodyguards sued him, citing unpaid wages and unsafe working conditions that included being required to perform tasks beyond the scope of their capacity as bodyguards, such as driving vehicles containing illegal substances with minors. They also cited 12-hour work shifts without rest or meal breaks and alleged that they were not paid overtime or otherwise fairly compensated.

2018: Release of London Fields Delayed Until 2018

The general release of the film "London Fields", starring Johnny Depp's then-wife Amber Heard, which was originally planned for 2015, was delayed until 2018 due to litigation.

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February 2019: Depp Sues Heard for Defamation

In February 2019, Johnny Depp sued Amber Heard for defamation over her December 2018 op-ed in The Washington Post, alleging that it contained defamatory statements.

April 2020: Waldman's statements published in Daily Mail

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

July 2020: Libel Trial

In July 2020, the libel case between Johnny Depp and News Group Newspapers (NGN) went to a highly publicized trial, with both Depp and Amber Heard testifying for several days.

August 2020: Heard countersued Depp

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

October 2020: Waldman dismissed

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

November 2020: Depp Resigns 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, which had accused him of domestic abuse. Mads Mikkelsen replaced him in the role.

November 2020: High Court Ruling and Resignation from Fantastic Beasts

In November 2020, the High Court of Justice ruled that 12 of the 14 incidents of physical violence alleged by NGN occurred and that Johnny Depp had put Amber Heard "in fear of her life". Depp resigned from the Fantastic Beasts franchise after being asked to do so by Warner Bros.

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2020: Admission of addiction at libel trial

During his 2020 libel trial, Johnny Depp admitted to having been addicted to Roxicodone and to misusing alcohol, as well as using other substances.

March 2021: Appeal Rejected

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

July 2021: Minamata Director Accuses MGM of Burying the Film

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

August 2021: ACLU must disclose documents

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

In September 2021, Johnny Depp described himself as a victim of cancel culture.

June 1, 2022: End of Depp v. Heard Trial

The Depp v. Heard trial, which took place in Fairfax County, Virginia, concluded on June 1, 2022. During the trial, both Depp and Heard accused each other of domestic abuse and violence.

August 2022: Accusations of plagiarism

In August 2022, Johnny Depp and Jeff Beck were accused of plagiarism for allegedly incorporating verses from an incarcerated African American man's poem into their song "Sad Motherfuckin' Parade" on their 2022 collaborative album, 18.

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December 2022: Depp v. Heard case settled

In December 2022, Amber Heard and Johnny Depp settled their defamation case, with Heard maintaining that the settlement was "not an act of concession" and Depp's lawyers stating that the settlement would result in $1 million being paid to Depp, which Depp is pledging and will donate to charities.

January 2024: Lola Glaudini's Allegation of Verbal Abuse

In January 2024, actress Lola Glaudini recounted an incident of verbal abuse from Johnny Depp during the filming of the movie "Blow" (2001) on the Powerful Truth Angels podcast.