Cannes Film Festival director Thierry Fremaux said that Depp's inclusion and his return to the film was a matter of «free speech». Photo: Scott Garfitt/Invision/AP.
The director of the Cannes Film Festival defended the inclusion of Johnny Depp in the event, saying that he did not care about the star's reputation after the lawsuit with Amber Heard.
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Thierry Fremaux and the festival management decided to open the event with the film «Jeanne du Barry», Depp's first film since a series of libel cases that accused him of physically abusing his ex-partner, a decision that has been criticized by activists.
Cheering crowds cheered for Depp as he walked the red carpet at the Cannes opening ceremony, during which a film of his comeback was shown.
Festival head Frémaux brushed off worries about giving the star such a prominent public podium in light of the accusation , put forward by Depp's ex-wife Amber Heard, saying that he has «not the slightest interest» in the legal disputes of the Hollywood star. the 2023 program was a matter of «free speech».
Speaking at a press conference ahead of the screening of French director Maiwenn's Jeanne du Barry, Fremaux said: «I don't know about Johnny Depp's image in the US.»
«To tell you the truth, there's only one thing in my life as a rule, it is freedom of thought, freedom of speech and action within the law.
“If Johnny Depp had been banned from acting in the film, otherwise the film would have been banned, we would not talk about it.”
< p>He added that he was «the last person who could discuss» Depp's reputation, saying: «If there is one person in this world who has not shown the slightest interest in this highly publicized lawsuit, it is me.»
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«I don't know what this is about. I also care about Johnny Depp as an actor.»
'Rapist leaders'
His comment came after French star Adele Haenel accused Cannes of protecting «rapist leaders» and left the cinema due to concerns that reforms have not been implemented despite allegations of sexual abuse in the film industry.
His defense of Depp's inclusion also comes amid a growing online movement led by Heard supporters and journalist Eva Barlow, who used the social media hashtag CannesWeNot to share criticism of the event, saying Depp's inclusion in the celebration was «a slap in the face.» «.
Fremo rejected Enel's claims, stating that Cannes is not a festival «for rapists».
The festival's jury, which is tasked with judging the 21 films competing for the coveted Palme d'Or, will not be affected by the selection of the first film that is not up for any prizes.
Oscar-winning actress Brie Larson, panelist and prominent supporter of # MeToo, was evasive when asked if she would watch Jeanne du Barry, telling reporters, «You'll see, I think, if I see it. And I don't know how I'll feel if I do that.»
The film features Depp as the French monarch Louis XV and details his relationship with famous royal favorite Madame du Barry, played by Maiwenn, who recently admitted to spitting on the journalist.
Tensions
Depp himself is reported in The French press avoided recent publicity for the film amid rumors of a rocky on-set relationship with its director and co-star Maiwenn.
However, he did attend the red carpet of the film's star-studded screening at Cannes, where he was greeted by crowds of fans demanding selfies. There were no protests against his presence, although authorities banned demonstrations for the duration of the festivities.
The Cannes opening ceremony brought its entire star cast including Dame Helen Mirren, Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones among the stars to walk the red walkway in front of a large crowd to offer the traditional Frémaux greeting on the steps of the Palais des Festivals before entering to watch Jeanne du Barry.
The event director has been forced to defend the festival in the past, especially when the #MeToo movement exposed Harvey's sexual harassment Weinstein, a frequent and prominent guest at Cannes.
He said in a joint statement at a time when allegations of sexual assault were «an earthquake». Efforts have been made in recent years to include more films by female directors in the competition.
Depp's defamation claims in the UK and US have included allegations of domestic violence on both sides. The Hollywood star lost his case in the UK but later won a lawsuit with his ex-wife in the US.
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