In 2016 actress Amber Heard filed for divorce from Hollywood star Johnny Depp alleging that he had been verbally and physically abusive throughout their relationship. Since then, Johnny had been removed from quite a few Hollywood projects such as the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise as well as the Fantastic Beasts franchise.
Today, we're taking a look at all the celebs who spoke out in Johnny's defense. From his ex-partners like Winona Ryder and Vanessa Paradis to Harry Potter writer J.K. Rowling — keep on scrolling to see just who made the list!
10 Winona Ryder
Kicking the list off is Hollywood star Winona Ryder who dated Johnny Depp for four years from 1989 to 1993. Here's what Winona said in a statement:
"I understand that it is very important that I speak from my own experience, as I obviously was not there during his marriage to Amber, but, from my experience, which was so wildly different, I was absolutely shocked, confused, and upset when I heard the accusations against him. The idea that he is an incredibly violent person is the farthest thing from the Johnny I knew and loved. I cannot wrap my head around these accusations. He has never been violent or abusive towards anybody I have seen. I truly and honestly only know him as a really good man – an incredibly loving, extremely caring guy who was so very protective of me and the people that he loves, and I felt so very, very safe with him."
9 Penelope Cruz
Another famous Hollywood diva who stood alongside Johnny against Amber Heard's allegations is Penelope Cruz. Here's what Penelope said in a statement:
"I’ve always been impressed by his kindness, his brilliant mind, his talent, and his peculiar sense of humor. I’ve seen Johnny in so many situations and he is always kind to everyone around. He is one of the most generous people I know. During six months of my first pregnancy, I spent every single day with him while we shot Pirates of the Caribbean. My husband and I will never forget the sweetness, protection, and kindness he treated me with during every single step of that process. We love him very much and I feel lucky to have someone so special in our lives."
8 Vanessa Paradis
Johnny's ex-wife, French singer Vanessa Paradis also came to the star's defense. The two have two children together and even though they separated in 2012 they remained close as co-parents. Here's what Vaness said:
"I have known Johnny Depp for more than 25 years. We’ve been partners for 14 years and we raised our two children together. Through all these years I’ve known Johnny to be a kind, attentive, generous, and non-violent person and father. I am aware of the allegations which Amber Heard has publicly accused Johnny of for more than 4 years now. This is nothing like the true Johnny I have known, and from my personal experience of many years, I can say he was never violent or abusive to me."
7 Javier Bardem
Penelope Cruz's husband, actor Javier Bardem also spoke openly about Johnny Depp. Here's what the star revealed:
"I stand by Johnny because I have always seen and felt a true caring and loving man in him — an extraordinary and unique artist who has listened to anyone who needed his help. I not only love Johnny but respect him deeply and I thank him for being the free and careless little boy he is in his art and the mature and loving man he is in the lives of others — always there when we need him. I love Johnny because he is a good human being, trapped in the lies and manipulations of toxic beings and yet smiling and loving us all in spite of it. How? Through his music, through his acting, through his silence. This means a lot. Thank you, Johnny. Millions of others like me love you deeply."
6 Sia
Next on the list is musician Sia who tweeted her support for Johnny Depp. Here's what the star wrote:
"Just showing my public support for Johnny Depp. I mean, I'd love him to get clean and stop with the jewelry, but he is clearly the victim after hearing those tapes"
5 Kevin McNally
Johnny's Pirates of the Caribbean co-star Kevin McNally also voiced his love for the Hollywood star once it was rumored that Johnny would not play Jack Sparrow anymore. Here's what Kevin said:
"My dream is that some sort of link will be needed between what has been before and whatever bizarre incarnation of it there is to come. But I sincerely think that my fate is so tied in with Johnny’s that I will go with him if indeed he does go."
4 Sharon Osborne
Another famous celeb who defended Johnny Depp is British television personality Sharon Osbourne. Here's what the star said during an appearance on The Talk:
"It takes two to tango. I think that they had a very vulnerable relationship. I think they're both as bad as each other. She gave him as good as she got — it wasn't just like a little mouse in the corner being battered. I don't know what they were using. I have no idea who was doing what, but I know they were both drinking, and it's a volatile relationship."
3 J.K. Rowling
When Johnny Depp was cast as the dark wizard Grindelwald in the Fantastic Beasts franchise plenty of fans were not happy. However, author J.K.Rowling tweeted that she had no problem with casting the Hollywood star. Here's what she said:
"For me personally, the inability to speak openly to fans about this issue has been difficult, frustrating and at times painful. However, the agreements that have been put in place to protect the privacy of two people, both of whom have expressed a desire to get on with their lives, must be respected. Based on our understanding of the circumstances, the filmmakers and I are not only comfortable sticking with our original casting but genuinely happy to have Johnny playing a major character in the movies."
2 Paul Bettany
Let's move on to Jonny's co-star from the 2010 movie The Tourist, Paul Bettany. The two — who also worked together on Transcendence and Mortdecai — became close friends and here is what Paul tweeted about Johnny:
"Known Johnny Depp for years and through several relationships. He’s the sweetest, kindest, gentlest man that I’ve ever known. Just saying."
1 David Yates
And finally, wrapping the list up is Fantastic Beasts director David Yates. Here is what the director said about Johnny's participation in the franchise:
"Honestly, there’s an issue at the moment where there’s a lot of people being accused of things, they’re being accused by multiple victims, and it’s compelling and frightening. With Johnny, it seems to me there was one person who took a pop at him and claimed something. I can only tell you about the man I see every day: He’s full of decency and kindness, and that’s all I see. Whatever accusation was out there doesn’t tally with the kind of human being I’ve been working with."