Johnny Depp appeared on the sofa on last night’s The Graham Norton Show and caused quite the furore on social media.
Advertising his latest film, Agatha Christie drama Murder On The Orient Express, Depp appeared on the chat show alongside his co-stars Judi Dench, Kenneth Branagh and Josh Gad.
You can watch the trailer for the film here:
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People weren’t angry about anything in particular Depp said on the show, it was more his appearance alone which left many taking to social media to complain.
In the current climate, as more and more victims of abuse are coming out with their stories about Hollywood, Depp’s appearance felt both inappropriate and disturbing.
Viewers felt there were double standards at play and his appearance could be distressing for others.
Last year, the actor’s ex-wife, actress Amber Heard, was granted a restraining order against Depp after stating in her court declaration, ‘during the entirety of [their] relationship, Johnny has been verbally and physically abusive to [her]’.
Heard claimed the last violent incident took place on May 21, only two days before she filed for divorce and provided the court with two witness accounts and photographs of her battered face as evidence.
Depp denied the claims and instead his lawyers said Heard was attempting ‘to secure a premature financial resolution by alleging abuse’.
In the end a settlement was reached on August 16 which saw Heard receive $7 million and dismiss the restraining order against Depp.
The two then released a joint statement which said their ‘relationship was intensely passionate and at times volatile, but always bound by love.’
They also added ‘neither party has made false accusations for financial gain’ and ‘there was never any intent of physical or emotional harm’.
Because of Depp’s history with domestic abuse allegations, many found his appearance on The Graham Norton Show to be unsuitable, especially after the host called out Kevin Spacey in his opening monologue.
After allegations of unwanted sexual advances by Spacey against young teen actor Anthony Rapp were made, Netflix pulled the plug on their hit show House of Cards.
One Twitter user said:
Watching Graham Norton and he’s opened by talking about all the sleazes that have been called out this week but Johnny Depp is on the sofa…
Another boycotted the show adding:
Why have Depp on the show Graham? Especially in this climate. He beat Heather, did you see the bruises? Can’t watch the show tonight.
You can watch Depp’s appearance on the show here:
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Another user was also left disgusted at the show’s choice of guest saying:
In a period when we’re aghast at stories of abuse in Hollywood, why indulge a wife beater like Johnny Depp on the Graham Norton show?
Even though Depp was never found guilty, admittedly his appearance on the show was probably bad timing.
