The scene went around the world. Johnny Depp, hand in hand with Maïwenn Le Besco, between head held high and a smile on the lips within the confines of the Palais des Festivals in Cannes. All this, of course, to the sound of a standing ovation. While in the middle, the outraged reactions are multiplying – in particular through a forum published on Tuesday by “Liberation” – Johnny Depp went through the questions and answers box and addressed those who take a dim view of his presence in Cannes. The least we can say is that the actor stays away from the mea culpa.
“The truth is the truth. (…) In the last five, six years, the majority of what you have read is horrible fiction”defended the interpreter of Jack Sparrow during the press conference devoted to « Jeanne du Barry » of Maïwenn in which he embodies King Louis XV… quite a symbol. Because for many observers, his ascent of the steps had the bitter taste of rehabilitation, of a return to majesty. Banned from American film sets since the trials that opposed him to his ex-wife Amber Heard on the background of accusations of domestic violence, Johnny Depp, 59, seems to have regained the honors of the world of cinema.
The sequel after the ad
Warmly welcomed among megastars like Uma Thurman, Michael Douglas or Catherine Deneuve, Johnny Depp actively participated in the opening of the Cannes Film Festival on Tuesday evening, despite criticism of a more than contested presence. The actor even chained selfies and autographs in front of fans who came in large numbers to support him. Asked how he’s felt in recent years, Depp felt the situation was akin to a ” bad joke “, while minimizing the impact of recent cases in which he was involved: “You are asked to withdraw from a film because there are just words floating in the air” he explains.
Continuing its momentum, the one who will be at the helm of a biopic on Modigliani joked about the word “comeback” used by the media to describe his return. “Apparently I’ve had 17 returns so far… I haven’t gone anywhere”, he asserted. Somewhat provocative words from a Johnny Depp who seems to want to flee the controversy. Secondly, he said to himself ” very proud “ you film “Jeanne du Barry”judging Maïwenn “very patient” et “very brave to have chosen a guy from Kentucky to play Louis XV”. Praise that clashes with the recent revelations of the French director evoking a strained relationship and a heavy atmosphere on the set.
“She attacked the symbol that I represent”: Edwy Plenel returns to his attack by Maïwenn
When asked if he still considered himself boycotted by Hollywood, Tim Burton’s favorite actor calmly answered: ” No not at all “, before specifying: “I don’t feel boycotted because I don’t think of Hollywood. » Divorce in sight with the American industry? For now, Depp victim of cancel culture according to him, takes advantage of the Croisette. Concluding his speech, the American actor split a vague remark, observation in his own way about his contemporaries: “It’s a strange and funny time when everyone wants to be themselves but isn’t able to… You have to toe the line. »
To fall into line, however, is not what the various feminist organizations that have expressed their disgust (0/50, the Women of Cinema Lab or 1000 faces) wish to do. Dare Feminism even called for a boycott of the festival because of a “feeling of impunity that freezes us”.
