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 an American actor and musician recognized with numerous accolades, including a Golden Globe. Nominated for multiple Academy Awards and British Academy Film Awards, Depp is renowned for his portrayals of eccentric characters. His films have collectively grossed over $8 billion globally, establishing him as one of Hollywood's most commercially successful actors.

Sections (5)

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

1989: Arrest in Vancouver

In 1989, 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 discusses Vancouver arrest

In 1991, Depp commented on his 1989 arrest in Vancouver for assaulting a security guard, claiming the guard was confrontational and initiated physical contact.

1994: Arrest in New York City

In 1994, 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.

1999: Arrest for brawling with paparazzi

In 1999, Depp was arrested for brawling with paparazzi, allegedly threatening them with a wooden plank outside Mirabelle restaurant in central London.

2011: Alleged Assault by Depp's Bodyguards

In 2011, UC Irvine medical professor Robin Eckert claimed to have been roughed up by Johnny Depp's bodyguards at a concert in Los Angeles. She alleged she was handcuffed and dragged across the floor, resulting in injuries. This event led to a lawsuit in 2012.

2012: Lawsuit Filed Against Depp Over Alleged Bodyguard Assault

In 2012, UC Irvine medical professor Robin Eckert sued Johnny Depp and security firms, alleging she was roughed up by Depp's bodyguards at a Los Angeles concert in 2011. The suit claimed Depp did nothing to stop the attack. The case was later settled out of court.

2013: Starring in The Lone Ranger and Lucky Them

In 2013, Johnny Depp starred as Tonto in "The Lone Ranger". Also in 2013, he had a brief cameo in the independent film "Lucky Them".

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April 2015: Depp and Heard Breach 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 when flying to Queensland. Heard pleaded guilty to falsifying quarantine documents and was placed on a $1,000 good behavior bond. They also released a video apologizing for their actions.

May 23, 2016: Heard files for divorce

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

January 2017: Depp Sues The Management Group and Bloom Hergott

In January 2017, Johnny Depp sued his former management company, The Management Group (TMG), for alleged embezzlement. He also sued his lawyers, Bloom Hergott. These lawsuits were later settled in 2018 and 2019, respectively.

2017: Depp's Controversial Comment About Trump at Glastonbury Festival

In 2017, at the Glastonbury Festival, Johnny Depp made a controversial comment about President Donald Trump, questioning when an actor last assassinated a president. The comment was interpreted as a reference to John Wilkes Booth, and Depp later apologized, stating he intended no malice.

April 2018: Libel lawsuit against The Sun

In April 2018, Depp brought a libel lawsuit in the UK against News Group Newspapers (NGN), publishers of The Sun, over an article calling him a "wife beater".

December 2018: Heard's op-ed in The Washington Post

In December 2018, Amber Heard published an op-ed in The Washington Post about sexual violence, which later became the subject of a defamation lawsuit by Depp.

2018: Depp Sued for Allegedly Hitting a 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. Depp's legal team denied the allegations, and a tentative settlement was reached in July 2022.

2018: Former 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. They claimed they were required to perform tasks beyond their capacity and were not properly compensated. The suit was settled in 2019.

February 2019: Depp sues Heard for defamation

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

April 2020: Waldman's statements in the Daily Mail

In April 2020, Depp's then-lawyer, Adam Waldman, made statements in the Daily Mail that Heard had perpetrated a "sexual violence hoax" against Depp, which became the basis of Heard's countersuit.

July 2020: Libel trial against The Sun

In July 2020, the libel case between Depp and The Sun had a highly publicized trial, with both Depp and Heard testifying for several days.

August 2020: Heard countersues Depp

In August 2020, Heard countersued Depp, alleging that he had coordinated a harassment campaign to get her fired from Aquaman and L'Oreal.

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October 2020: Waldman dismissed from defamation case

In October 2020, the judge in the Depp v. Heard case dismissed 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 after losing his UK libel case against The Sun. He was subsequently replaced by Mads Mikkelsen.

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November 2020: High Court ruling and resignation from Fantastic Beasts

In November 2020, the High Court of Justice ruled against Depp in his libel case against The Sun, and he resigned from the Fantastic Beasts franchise after being asked to do so by Warner Bros.

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2020: Depp's Image According to The Guardian

According to The Guardian journalist Hadley Freeman in 2020, Johnny Depp was seen as the "bad boy of Hollywood" in the 1990s due to his chain smoking, drug use, and drinking habits.

2020: Depp Admits to Addiction and Substance Misuse During Libel Trial

During his 2020 libel trial, Johnny Depp admitted to having been addicted to Roxicodone and misusing alcohol. He also admitted to using other substances such as marijuana, MDMA, and cocaine but denied addiction to those.

March 2021: Appeal rejected by Court of Appeal

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

July 2021: Director Accuses MGM of Burying Minamata

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

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August 2021: ACLU must disclose documents

In August 2021, a New York judge ruled that the ACLU must disclose documents related to 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 and launched IN.2, a London-based sister company to his production company, Infinitum Nihil. IN.2 and A Contracorriente Films also started a new development fund for TV and film projects.

June 1, 2022: Depp v. Heard Trial Concludes

On June 1, 2022, the Depp v. Heard trial concluded in Fairfax County, Virginia, after weeks of testimony regarding allegations of domestic abuse from both parties.

August 2022: Depp and Beck Accused of Stealing Poem Lyrics for "Sad Motherfuckin' Parade"

In August 2022, Johnny Depp and Jeff Beck were accused of using an incarcerated African American man's poem in their song "Sad Motherfuckin' Parade" from their collaborative album, 18. Bruce Jackson requested credit for Slim Wilson, the original author, and suggested donating profits to an organization aiding African Americans. Depp and Beck sued Jackson, claiming originality, leading Jackson to counter that they were suing the person who caught them stealing. The lawsuit is ongoing.

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December 2022: Depp and Heard Settle Defamation Case

In December 2022, Heard and Depp settled their defamation case, with Heard maintaining the settlement was "not an act of concession" and Depp pledging to donate the $1 million payment to charities.

January 2024: Lola Glaudini Recounts Verbal Abuse Incident with Depp on Blow Set

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. Glaudini stated she was instructed to laugh on cue to one of Depp's lines in the movie.

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