36 celebrities who have weighed in on Johnny Depp and Amber Heard's legal battles

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Victoria MontaltiMay 28, 2022, 00:49 IST
36 celebrities who have weighed in on Johnny Depp and Amber Heard's legal battles

Celebrities like Chris Rock, Drew Barrymore, and Julia Fox have publicly commented on Johnny Depp and Amber Heard's relationships, accusations, and trials.DFree/Shutterstock; Roy Rochlin/Getty Images; Victor Boyko/Getty Images

  • Johnny Depp and Amber Heard are currently going through a heated defamation trial.
  • Many celebrities have picked sides, defending one and criticizing the other, since as early as 2016.
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Johnny Depp and Amber Heard's relationship as co-stars, a married couple, and now exes has been volatile, as revealed through their various legal battles.

Johnny Depp and Amber Heard's relationship as co-stars, a married couple, and now exes has been volatile, as revealed through their various legal battles.
Amber Heard and Johnny Depp in 2015.Matteo Chinellato/Shutterstock

Exes Johnny Depp and Amber Heard have had a tumultuous relationship that has been examined thoroughly during their widely viewed defamation trial.

The exes have been involved in multiple legal battles since their split. The latest trial has to do with Heard's op-ed in The Washington Post that was published in 2018.

Depp has sued Heard for defamation over her op-ed in a $50 million lawsuit, to which Heard countersued for $100 million. Both of their arguments rest on the claim that each ruined the other's Hollywood career.

The defamation trial began on April 11, 2022, and is set to end on May 27 before the jury deliberates on a verdict.

Here are many of the celebrities who have defended Depp and Heard from their 2016 divorce through today, as well as those who have spoken out against them.

British talk-show host Amanda de Cadenet supported Heard after her divorce from Depp in 2016, but has since changed her opinion.

British talk-show host Amanda de Cadenet supported Heard after her divorce from Depp in 2016, but has since changed her opinion.
Amanda de Cadenet.Gregg DeGuire/Getty Images

Women's rights activist de Cadenet was formerly friends with Heard, both before and after her divorce from Depp.

In a short span of days in May 2016, Heard alleged Depp threw a phone at her face, obtained a restraining order against him, and filed for divorce.

After Heard opened up to de Cadenet about Depp's alleged abuse, the TV host shared a photo of her and Heard on Instagram, according to People. That month, she also retweeted several messages on Twitter that supported Heard, according to the outlet.

De Cadenet was supposed to testify during the 2020 UK libel trial after The Sun published an article in 2018 calling Depp a "wife beater." But when she heard audio clips released by the Daily Mail, in which Heard was seemingly verbally abusive towards Depp, she changed her mind.

In June 2020, she released a statement, reading, "I will not [be] testifying in Johnny Depp's upcoming defamation case against The Sun. I also acknowledged that new facts have come to my attention which has changed my perspective on this matter," according to the Daily Mail.

De Cadenet said it was a "very painful realization that someone who I advocated for and believed so wholeheartedly, was not entirely forthcoming with me."

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"The Walking Dead" star Laurie Holden was one of the first celebrities to support Depp amidst Heard's allegations in 2016.

"The Walking Dead" star Laurie Holden was one of the first celebrities to support Depp amidst Heard's allegations in 2016.
Laurie Holden.DFree/Shutterstock

Holden was also one of the first to publicly support Depp, tweeting in 2016, "I, for one, am going to see Johnny Depp's new movie," referring to "Alice Through the Looking Glass." "His personal life is just that. Personal. No one knows the real truth so just zip it," Holden added.

After being criticized for her words, Holden followed up with a tweet clarifying that she meant she didn't want people to jump to conclusions. Then, she released an apology statement.

She wrote, "Let me be clear: I strongly believe that each and every individual who alleges 'abuse' should be heard and protected under full recourse of the law," according to MEAWW.

"But I do not support cyber bullying and trial by Twitter," she added.

Six years later, in April 2022, she quote-tweeted a 2016 story that asked whether Holden should have commented on the sensitive situation. Holden added the response, "Glad I did. Would do it again in a heartbeat."

"Just happy that 6 years later the world is finally catching up, The truth is now being revealed and there will be justice," she added, including #JusticeForJohnnyDeep [sic].

"WandaVision" actor Paul Bettany also defended Depp in 2016 — but was embarrassed when their text messages were shown during the 2020 trial.

"WandaVision" actor Paul Bettany also defended Depp in 2016 — but was embarrassed when their text messages were shown during the 2020 trial.
Paul Bettany.Featureflash Photo Agency/Shutterstock

Following Heard's 2016 claims, Bettany showed his support for the "Pirates of the Caribbean" star. At the time, Bettany tweeted, "Known Johnny Depp for years and through several relationships. He's the sweetest, kindest, gentlest man that I've ever known. Just saying."

The pair has worked in a few films together, including the 2010 movie "The Tourist."

During the 2020 libel trial in the UK, vulgar text messages between Depp and Bettany from 2013 were read aloud.

After Depp proposed burning Heard over text, Bettany's response was, "Having thought it through I don't think we should burn Amber — she's delightful company and easy on the eye, plus I'm not sure she's a witch." However, he continued, "We could of course try the English course of action in these predicaments ­— we do a drowning test. Thoughts?"

He spoke to the Times of London in February 2022, stepping back from his defense of Depp. Bettany said he was "embarrassed" by the conversation, saying "I didn't know Johnny when he was married to Amber. I knew him before."

"Can you imagine what it would be like, honestly, to have a bunch of lawyers go through every one of your emails and texts for 10 years?" he said, adding, "All I can tell you is that it was an unpleasant feeling."

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Evan Rachel Wood shared her support for Heard on social media.

Evan Rachel Wood shared her support for Heard on social media.
Evan Rachel Wood.DFree/Shutterstock

The actress and activist came to Heard's defense in 2016. Wood, like Heard, is openly bisexual and has also claimed to have suffered physical abuse and sexual assault at the hands of a powerful man; in her case, her ex-fiancé Marilyn Manson.

When Heard's bisexuality was being criticized in the media and was linked to problems in her marriage, Wood spoke up on the matter.

In a since-deleted tweet from May 2016, Wood quoted another tweet that read, "Amber Heard's sexuality is only relevant in that bi women are at far greater risk of experiencing intimate partner violence," and added "Boom," according to the Independent.

The outlet also reported Wood retweeted a tweet that said, "What does Amber being bisexual and having lesbian friends have to do with anything?"

In another tweet, Wood reportedly wrote, "People associate [bisexuality] with deviant behavior and it somehow justifies someone not being worthy. It's bull----!" according to People.

"When people refer to [Heard] they didn't use that word until it was necessary. It was an easy target and it was unfair," she added.

"Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" director David Yates defended Depp in 2017 amid Heard's allegations.

"Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" director David Yates defended Depp in 2017 amid Heard's allegations.
David Yates.Featureflash Photo Agency/Shutterstock

Despite the allegations Heard made against Depp, Warner Bros. decided to keep the actor on to reprise his role as Gellert Grindelwald in the "Fantastic Beasts" sequel, "Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald," released in 2018.

Yates, the film's director, commented on the studio's decision and his own interpretation of the accusations.

"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," he told Entertainment Weekly in November 2017. "Whatever accusation was out there doesn't tally with the kind of human being I've been working with."

He also made a distinction between Depp and other men who have been accused of sexual harassment or abuse by multiple people over many years.

"Johnny isn't in that category in any shape or form. So to me, it doesn't bear any more analysis. It's a dead issue," he said.

Depp was eventually asked to resign from the franchise after losing his 2020 libel trial and was re-cast with Mads Mikkelsen.

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J.K. Rowling also supported keeping Depp in the 2018 film "Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald."

J.K. Rowling also supported keeping Depp in the 2018 film "Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald."
J.K. Rowling.Featureflash Photo Agency/Shutterstock

Rowling, (the now-controversial) writer of the "Fantastic Beasts" book as well as the screenwriter and producer of the films, made her own statement following Yates'.

On her blog in December 2017, Rowling wrote about Warner Bros.' overall decision, Yates' comments, and her own opinions on the matter.

"For me personally, the inability to speak openly to fans about this issue has been difficult, frustrating, and at times painful," she wrote.

"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," Rowling added.

"I accept that there will be those who are not satisfied with our choice of actor in the title role," she wrote, but continued, "However, conscience isn't governable by committee. Within the fictional world and outside it, we all have to do what we believe to be the right thing."

As stated previously, Depp would go on to be re-cast for the third film.

Kathy Griffin spoke out against Depp in April 2020 and has publicly supported Heard.

Kathy Griffin spoke out against Depp in April 2020 and has publicly supported Heard.
Kathy Griffin.Ovidiu Hrubaru/Shutterstock

Griffin criticized Depp and supported Heard prior to the 2020 UK trial.

On April 9, 2020, Griffin tweeted a photo of Depp along with the caption, "Ladies! Looking for some gratitude in the middle of a pandemic? At least this hot mess isn't going to pummel your face today."

She also added the hashtag #womensupportingwomen.

Then exactly two years later, on April 9, 2022, Heard tweeted out a statement saying that she would be stepping away from social media ahead of her trial starting April 11. Griffin responded, reading, "Oh Doll, I'm thinking about you and sending all the love."

On April 12, Griffin commented on the trial and the media frenzy around it in another tweet. "Who is behind the obviously well funded online campaign against Amber?" Griffin asked. "Maybe the $$$ behind the 'Pirates' franchise?"

"Try doing a post that is favorable towards Amber. The swarm from Depp stans will be swift & filled with violent rhetoric," she added.

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During Depp's 2020 libel case, his ex-fiancée Winona Ryder gave a written statement in defense of him.

During Depp's 2020 libel case, his ex-fiancée Winona Ryder gave a written statement in defense of him.
Winona Ryder.Tinseltown/Shutterstock

Ryder was in a relationship with Depp from 1989 to 1993 and starred in "Edward Scissorhands" with him in 1990. She was asked to write a witness statement in defense of Depp during the July 2020 case against The Sun.

"I count our relationship as one of the more significant relationships of my life," Ryder wrote, as per Insider.

Acknowledging that she couldn't speculate about Heard's experience, she shared her own "wildly different" experience, saying, "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," adding, "He was never, never abusive towards me."

"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," she said.

Vanessa Paradis, another past partner of Depp, also gave a written statement during the 2020 trial.

Vanessa Paradis, another past partner of Depp, also gave a written statement during the 2020 trial.
Vanessa Paradis.Oleg Nikishin/Shutterstock

Paradis was in a relationship with Depp between 1998 and 2012, and shares two children with him. The musician was also asked to write a witness statement in the 2020 court case.

"Through all these years I've known Johnny to be a kind, attentive, generous and non-violent person and father," Paradis wrote, according to Insider.

Referring to Heard's allegations, Paradis wrote, "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."

"Unfortunately people have gone on believing these false facts," she added.

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His frequent co-star Penélope Cruz shared positive experiences she's had with Depp during the 2020 trial.

His frequent co-star Penélope Cruz shared positive experiences she's had with Depp during the 2020 trial.
Penélope Cruz.Denis Makarenko/Getty Images

Cruz is a "great friend" of Depp's and has worked with him on several films. They starred together in 2001's "Blow," 2011's "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides," and 2017's "Murder on the Orient Express."

During the 2020 libel trial, Cruz wrote a statement supporting him.

"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," she said, according to a transcript obtained by The Blast.

"During six months of my first pregnancy, I spent every single day with him while we shot 'Pirates of the Caribbean,'" she said. "My husband [Javier Bardem] 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," Cruz added.

Cruz's husband, Javier Bardem, also made a heartfelt statement at that time defending Depp.

Cruz's husband, Javier Bardem, also made a heartfelt statement at that time defending Depp.
Javier Bardem.Tinseltown/Shutterstock

Like his wife, Bardem also starred in a "Pirates of the Caribbean" movie, 2017's "Dead Men Tell No Tales." He released his own statement for the 2020 court case.

"I love Johnny," he said, according to The Blast. "He has always been a true gentleman and an extremely generous and caring friend to my family and myself."

He said that he has experienced Depp's "respectful attitude," and he himself respects Depp.

"I stand by Johnny because I have always seen and felt a true caring and loving man in him," adding, "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."

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During the 2020 trial, Depp's former partner Ellen Barkin testified against him. She did the same in the 2022 trial.

During the 2020 trial, Depp's former partner Ellen Barkin testified against him. She did the same in the 2022 trial.
Ellen Barkin.Lev Radin/Shutterstock

Barkin, who dated Depp in the '90s and co-starred in "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" with him, has spoken out against the actor several times.

Barkin testified during the 2020 trial, saying, "There is always an air of violence around him." She added, "He is a yeller. He is verbally abusive," according to Newsweek.

Barkin also discussed an incident when Depp allegedly threw a wine bottle, saying, "Mr. Depp threw a wine bottle across the room, the hotel room, in one instance," when they were filming together.

During the 2022 trial, Barkin was asked by Heard's team to testify again. In her videotaped testimony, she said that Depp regularly got drunk, smoked marijuana, and took illegal drugs, especially when in her presence.

"He's just a jealous man; controlling," she said. "I had a scratch on my back once that got him very, very angry because he insisted it came from me having sex with a person that wasn't him."

Celebrity makeup artist Mélanie Inglessis also testified for Heard in 2020 and 2022, corroborating the actress' claim about Depp injuring her in 2015.

Celebrity makeup artist Mélanie Inglessis also testified for Heard in 2020 and 2022, corroborating the actress' claim about Depp injuring her in 2015.
Mélanie Inglessis.Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images

Inglessis gave testimony during the 2020 libel case saying that she covered Heard's facial bruises and busted lip as a result of Depp allegedly headbutting her before Heard's appearance on "The Late Late Show with James Corden" in December 2015.

In her written statement from July 2020, Inglessis wrote, "When I saw Amber, I immediately noticed that she had a split lip and a bruise near her eye. I also saw that there was a chunk of hair missing from her head," adding, "Amber told me that Johnny had tried to suffocate her."

She said she used foundation to cover the bruises and red lipstick to camouflage her lip injury.

"One thing I do remember very clearly is although Amber's signature lip is a red lip ... I remember having a discussion that day that we had no other choice but to do a red lip, a bright red lip."

During the exes' 2022 defamation trial, Inglessis, who no longer works for Heard, testified again.

On May 18, in her livestreamed testimony, she said she used a heavier concealer with a "peach undertone, which I normally don't use on Amber, but peach cancels blue."

She also discussed the lipstick choice again, saying, "Because of the red blood, we used red to make sure we could cover up the bleeding on the lip."

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After the 2020 trial, Sia expressed on Twitter that she believed Depp was a victim of Heard's abuse.

After the 2020 trial, Sia expressed on Twitter that she believed Depp was a victim of Heard's abuse.
Sia.Evan Agostini/AP Images

After the three-week trial, and before the judge's verdict, musician Sia shared her opinions and support for Depp in October 2020.

"Just showing my public support for Johnny Depp," she tweeted, according to WRMF. "I mean I'd love him to get clean and stop with the jewelry, but he is clearly the victim after hearing those tapes," she added.

In November 2020, Sharon Osbourne said she thought both parties were equally at fault and compared them to herself and Ozzy Osbourne.

In November 2020, Sharon Osbourne said she thought both parties were equally at fault and compared them to herself and Ozzy Osbourne.
Sharon Osbourne.Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Osbourne discussed the trial and The Sun's article in a chat with her co-anchors on "The Talk." In November 2020, she said that Depp and Heard were both at fault.

"It takes two to tango," she said. "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. She gave him back, and I think that they were both drinking," she added.

Osbourne said their relationship was "volatile" before comparing it to her own marriage with rock star Ozzy Osbourne.

"I had a relationship like that with my husband at one time," adding, "I would give him what he gave me. He shoved me, I shoved him back."

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Eva Green first spoke in defense of Depp in 2021, and posted another show of support on Instagram in May 2022.

Eva Green first spoke in defense of Depp in 2021, and posted another show of support on Instagram in May 2022.
Eva Green.Andrea Raffin/Shutterstock

Green first spoke up about her "Dark Shadows" co-star in June 2021, telling German outlet Spiegel, "Johnny Depp is a gentleman, I would defend him at any time."

Then again in May 2022, she shared her support for Depp in an Instagram post.

"I have no doubt Johnny will emerge with his good name and wonderful heart revealed to the world, and life will be better than it ever was for him and his family," she wrote alongside a photo of the pair.

Depp's "Pirates of the Caribbean" co-star Kevin McNally said in 2021 that he'd like Depp to work on the franchise again.

Depp's "Pirates of the Caribbean" co-star Kevin McNally said in 2021 that he'd like Depp to work on the franchise again.
Kevin McNally.Markus Wissmann/Johnny Depp

After Depp lost his 2020 libel case, he started losing roles. At the same time, many friends and colleagues continued to support him.

McNally, who played Mr. Gibbs across all five films in the "Pirates" franchise, defended Depp. "I've never seen a hint of any dark side to Johnny. I see a great humanitarian and a beautiful human being," he told Express in November 2021.

"I don't see any impediment for him coming back and playing Jack Sparrow," McNally added, saying, "I think there was a general feeling that without Jack there is no 'Pirates' franchise. And there's probably a lot of truth in that."

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In April 2022, conservative commentator Candace Owens said she thinks Heard is a liar.

In April 2022, conservative commentator Candace Owens said she thinks Heard is a liar.
Candace Owens.Jason Davis/Getty Images

Owens wrote a strongly worded tweet against Heard in April 2022. "I'm on record calling Amber Heard a liar from day one," she wrote.

"Many people don't realize that an abusive sociopath was able to seamlessly destroy a man because of the #MeToo campaign," adding, "Never #believewomen. Instead, listen to women. AND men. But believe facts."

She signed off with the viral hashtag #JusticeForJohnnyDepp.

She also discussed the topic on her show "Candace" a week later, again supporting Depp.

"Amber Heard is at fault," she said, and added she believes there is enough evidence to prove Heard guilty of abuse and slander.

"She is every bit the example of what I refer to when I refer to toxic feminism," she added. "I believe facts, and I believe that they're on Johnny Depp's side."

Ireland Baldwin slammed Heard and showed her support for Depp in an April 2022 Instagram story.

Ireland Baldwin slammed Heard and showed her support for Depp in an April 2022 Instagram story.
Ireland Baldwin.Tinseltown/Shutterstock

In April 2022, a tweet containing footage of Depp on the stand listening to a recording of Heard admitting to hitting him went viral.

Alec Baldwin's eldest daughter shared a screenshot of the tweet in a since-expired Instagram story the following day, according to Page Six.

Over the photo, Baldwin wrote, "The thing is, I know women who are exactly like this."

"They are manipulative and cold and they use their very womanhood to play victim and turn the world against the man because we live in a society where it's cool to say men are all the worst," she added.

Baldwin also said, "This absolute disaster of a human being Amber Heard is a terrible person and I hope Johnny gets his reputation and his life back."

She concluded by saying she hopes Depp can make more "Pirates" films after this.

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After saying they felt bad for Depp, but could empathize with Heard in an April 2022 YouTube video, Trisha Paytas clarified that they weren't defending Heard.

After saying they felt bad for Depp, but could empathize with Heard in an April 2022 YouTube video, Trisha Paytas clarified that they weren't defending Heard.
Trisha Paytas.Theo Wargo/Getty Images

On April 22, 2022, the YouTuber recorded themself commenting on the trial.

"I feel horrible for Johnny Depp, to be physically abused, and in a society where you're the man being abused by a woman," Paytas said.

They also said Heard shouldn't be forgiven until she "shows remorse," but continued, "I think I might be the only person with a little empathy towards Amber because I've been there before."

Paytas referenced an unspecified incident where they came forward about a similar situation, and also weren't believed.

A week after this video was released, and after many cited the video as support for Heard, Paytas released another video to clarify what they actually meant.

On April 28, Paytas said, "I was not defending her, I literally was just like, 'I can empathize with her' because she obviously has untreated mental illness."

Paytas also said that if they won the lottery, they'd build a children's hospital, "Not like Amber Heard who says she's donating to a children's hospital but doesn't."

Howard Stern called out Depp on his radio show and said he was acting while on the trial stand in April 2022.

Howard Stern called out Depp on his radio show and said he was acting while on the trial stand in April 2022.
Howard Stern.Debby Wong/Shutterstock

Stern hit out at Depp on his radio show, "The Howard Stern Show," two weeks after the 2022 trial started, after Depp had already spoken on the stand.

Stern claimed that Depp wanted the trial televised because it was in keeping with the actions of narcissists, and also strongly believed that it should not be aired, according to IndieWire.

"I think Johnny Depp is a huge narcissist," he said. "He figured, 'I'll put this on TV and because I'm so persuasive and because I'm so smart, I'm such a wonderful guy.'"

"He's so overacting, cause he's writing his own material as he goes along. You know, I got to tell you, he's wrong," Stern added.

The radio show host believed Depp thought, "'I will charm the pants off of America at the trial.'" In Stern's opinion, this wasn't going well.

Stern also went on to mock Depp's testimony about Heard reportedly defecating in his bed.

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Joe Rogan said he believes Depp will win this trial, and has dissed Heard multiple times on his podcast in April and May 2022.

Joe Rogan said he believes Depp will win this trial, and has dissed Heard multiple times on his podcast in April and May 2022.
Joe Rogan.Gregory Payan/AP Images

On April 26, 2022, Rogan first spoke on the trial on his podcast "The Joe Rogan Experience."

"This is a big win for Johnny Depp and a big loss for 'Pirates of the Caribbean!'" he said, according to Yahoo. "You got rid of the best f---ing pirate you ever had! For a crazy lady!"

In this episode, and in several episodes since, Rogan has shared his opinions about Heard's claims and responses on the stand, saying he believes she has been lying. He has also called her "insane," "manipulative," and a "witch."

In April 2022, Ricki Lake reminisced on fond memories working with Depp on "Crybaby."

In April 2022, Ricki Lake reminisced on fond memories working with Depp on "Crybaby."
Ricki Lake.Featureflash Photo Agency/Shutterstock

Lake added her two cents on Twitter, despite saying that she was not watching the trial. Instead, she shared her recollection and experience working with Depp on their 1990 film "Crybaby."

"I absolutely adored #JohnnyDepp when I worked w/ him on #crybaby. He was kind, funny, inclusive, professional, a joy," she tweeted, alongside an old photo of the pair on set.

"He was soft-spoken, gentle and I loved him," she added, with #JohnnyDeppVsAmberHeard tagged at the end.

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Drew Barrymore discussed the trial on her talk show in April 2022, before being criticized for it and apologizing.

Drew Barrymore discussed the trial on her talk show in April 2022, before being criticized for it and apologizing.
Drew Barrymore.Roy Rochlin/Getty Images

Barrymore was baffled when discussing the 2022 trial with Anthony Anderson on her talk show, "The Drew Barrymore Show," on April 29, 2022.

"It's like one layer of crazy, it's a seven-layer dip of insanity!" she said.

"It's so fascinating! I know that these are two people's real lives and I know what it's like to have your life put out in public," she said, adding, "I understand all the feelings, but they are actually offering up this information that nobody had to know. This is crazy!"

In turn, Barrymore was criticized for making light of a serious situation and made a public apology on Instagram.

In since-expired Instagram stories from May 1, the actress said, "It has come to my attention that I have offended people with making light of Johnny Depp and Amber Heard and for that, I just want to deeply apologize and appreciate everyone who spoke out," she said, according to Insider.

Meghan McCain wrote an article in April 2022 expressing that the public shouldn't have picked sides prematurely.

Meghan McCain wrote an article in April 2022 expressing that the public shouldn't have picked sides prematurely.
Meghan McCain.Lou Rocco/Getty Images

TV personality and author McCain wrote an article for the Daily Mail about her opinions on the trial, which was published on April 29, 2022.

"For the record, I haven't made a decision about who I believe," she wrote. "I may never arrive at a conclusion of guilt, because there are credible allegations of abuse on both sides."

"If there is any truth to any of it, Depp and Heard had one of the most toxic, dysfunctional, and violent relationships since Sid and Nancy," McCain said, referring to musician Sid Vicious and his girlfriend Nancy Spungen in 1978.

She also shared her shock about how the public has been reacting to the existing allegations and ongoing trial.

"The American public and Hollywood at large is overwhelmingly taking Depp's side in the court of public opinion before Heard has even taken the stand," McCain said.

"We should never have blindly believed Heard's accusations and stood by while Depp was stripped of his career, and we should not make up for it now by automatically siding against Heard," she added.

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In May 2022, Bill Burr said he's a big fan of Depp and is confused why women's groups have not spoke out against Heard.

In May 2022, Bill Burr said he's a big fan of Depp and is confused why women's groups have not spoke out against Heard.
Bill Burr.Lev Radin/Shutterstock

Burr spoke about the trial on his "Monday Morning Podcast" on May 2. "I'm too big a Johnny Depp fan to watch. I love that guy and I just … I don't want to hear all these personal details and s---," he said, according to Yahoo.

"What's great about this, is if he really does expose this woman for lying, I'm wondering … all these people that, you know, just accepted her lies about him, if they're going to apologize somehow cause they publicly trashed him," he said.

Burr also said he hopes this teaches people not to jump to conclusions.

"It really does amaze me how the pendulum just does not seem to swing the other way," Burr said. "There are women out there that [really] are in a relationship that this woman evidently lied and claimed that she was in, when she wasn't," he said.

"For someone to go out and lie about it, hurts the people that are actually in it. So, you would think [women's groups] would cover this," Burr continued.

"If this really goes in the direction that everything she was saying was absolutely bull---- ... It just doesn't f---ing seem right," he said.

"It sounds like Johnny's going to [win], which makes me happy," Burr concluded.

Paul McCartney played a music video featuring Depp during a concert in May 2022.

Paul McCartney played a music video featuring Depp during a concert in May 2022.
Paul McCartney.Samir Hussein/WireImage

McCartney seemed to subtly showed his support for his musical collaborator and friend at his concert on May 3. He performed his song "My Valentine" while playing the music video in the background, which stars Depp and Natalie Portman.

The video has been shown sporadically throughout the years on his tours, but this instance went viral as it was seen by many outlets, like Page Six, as McCartney picking a side in the trial.

In addition to this video, Depp was featured in McCartney's music video for "Queenie Eye" in 2013, and the former Beatle made a cameo in the most recent "Pirates" film in 2017.

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Chris Rock made a stand-up joke in May 2022 about the accusation that Heard defecated on Depp's bed.

Chris Rock made a stand-up joke in May 2022 about the accusation that Heard defecated on Depp's bed.
Chris Rock.DFree/Shutterstock

Rock added a bit to his comedy tour about the trial on May 12.

"Believe all women, believe all women … except Amber Heard," he said, according to Vanity Fair.

He recounted an alleged incident of Heard defecating in Depp's bed. His comments to the audience were filled with vulgar language and expletives, mostly aimed towards the actress.

"What the f--- is she on? She s--- in his bed!" he said. "Once you s--- in someone's bed, you just guilty of everything."

Rock continued, seemingly baffled by Heard's supposed actions and the couple's relationship dynamic, and pointed out that Depp stayed with her after this reported incident.

Julia Fox came to Heard's defense on social media in May 2022, saying she didn't abuse Depp.

Julia Fox came to Heard's defense on social media in May 2022, saying she didn't abuse Depp.
Julia Fox.Victor Boyko/Getty Images

Fox reportedly left a comment on an unidentified Instagram post in mid-May, which was screenshotted, and has since gone viral.

Defending Heard, the comment read, "Wrong. She never had the power in the relationship to be abusive to him. Did she hit him? Yes. Was it abuse? No. You need to have power to be able to abuse it," according to the New York Post.

"She was 25. He clearly was always way more powerful including physically and financially," the "Uncut Gems" actress added.

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Reality TV personality and singer Aubrey O'Day then hit back at Fox that month.

Reality TV personality and singer Aubrey O'Day then hit back at Fox that month.
Aubrey O'Day.Kathy Hutchins/Shutterstock

O'Day criticized Heard, and indirectly supported Depp, when she reacted to Julia Fox on social media.

In response to Fox's comments, on May 14, O'Day retweeted a screenshot of the comment, and wrote, "Trash take from Julia Fox. Plenty of broke, short, skinny, non-famous people have abused their partner."

"Abuse is simply cruel and violent treatment of a person … power not being a necessary factor. Less powerful ppl abuse their more powerful partner out of jealousy all the time," she added.

Heard's former friend iO Tillett Wright testified during the 2022 trial that he believes Depp hurt Heard on one instance.

Heard's former friend iO Tillett Wright testified during the 2022 trial that he believes Depp hurt Heard on one instance.
iO Tillett Wright at the Gurls Talk Festival in March 2018.Cindy Ord/Getty Images for COACH

Wright, an actor, podcast host, and activist, was formerly friends with both Heard and Depp, and even briefly lived in Depp's home. He was brought on as a witness by Heard's team to give testimony in 2022.

On May 17, Wright recounted several incidents about Depp's reported behavior.

"He would get very misogynistic and cruel and other things when he would take any kind of psychedelic like ecstasy or MDMA," Wright said. "When he drank alcohol, he would become paranoid," he continued, according to Insider.

He said that on multiple occasions, Depp made cruel comments about Heard's appearance and talent.

Although Wright said he's never seen Depp abuse Heard, he recalled a comment made at their 2015 wedding when, according to Wright, Depp said, "We're married, now I can punch her in the face and no one can do anything about it."

Wright also believes he heard Depp be abusive towards Heard when he was on the phone with the couple. "'Oh, you think I hit you? You think I f---ing hit you? What if I peel your f---ing hair back?'" Wright recounted Depp saying, according to Insider.

"And then I heard the phone drop again and then I heard her scream," he said, sharing that he then hung up and called 911.

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Kirstie Alley shared her confusion over the 2022 trial, while also criticizing both stars.

Kirstie Alley shared her confusion over the 2022 trial, while also criticizing both stars.
Kirstie Alley.D Dipasupil/Getty Images

On May 17, Alley tweeted, "I don't quite understand this trial between Johnny Depp and Amber Heard. It seems just like a s--- show. Can't quite figure out how it helps either one of them."

"Just seems like a typical day in the life of an extremely talented drug addict and an extremely beautiful narcissist," she added.

She then retweeted several tweets and stories about the trial that same day. One included Insider's report about the couple's guard alleging Heard defecated on Depp's bed.

Alley quote-tweeted it, writing "Omg ... I can't ... I just can't … I'm going back to playing with my grandchildren."

Donald Trump mocked Depp's lawsuit on his social media platform, Truth Social, in May 2022.

Donald Trump mocked Depp's lawsuit on his social media platform, Truth Social, in May 2022.
Donald Trump.Mandel Ngan/Getty Images

Former president Trump and Depp have had a tumultuous relationship. Depp played Trump in the 2016 parody film "Donald Trump's The Art of the Deal: The Movie" and made an assassination joke about him, which he apologized for in 2017.

Trump weighed in on Depp's 2022 trial, criticizing them both.

On May 18, he wrote a post on his Truth Social platform, asking, "Has anybody been watching the Johnny Depp/Amber Heard trial? What a lovely couple," according to Marie Claire.

"First of all, Johnny sued her for writing an article in a tiny 'outlet,' that practically nobody read, because he didn't want to get bad publicity," he said, referring to Heard's op-ed in The Washington Post.

"How did that work out? She countersued for $100 million. The charges are many & salacious, the nicest of which is that she threw a bottle at him and it took off his finger — She must have a Sandy Koufax type arm," he added.

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Videos of Courtney Love showed her defending Depp and criticizing Heard in May 2022, before she took them down and apologized.

Videos of Courtney Love showed her defending Depp and criticizing Heard in May 2022, before she took them down and apologized.
Courtney Love.Serge Rocco/Shutterstock

The Hole front-woman shared her opinions about Depp and Heard in since-deleted videos posted on her friend Jessica Reed Kraus' Instagram account on May 21.

In the posts, Love said, "I don't really wanna make judgments publicly. I just wanna tell you that Johnny gave me CPR in 1995 when I overdosed outside the Viper Room," according to People.

She continued discussing the kindness Depp showed her when she was a drug addict. Love then moved on to discussing Heard.

"I've been the most hated woman in America, and I have a lot of empathy for what that must feel like for Amber," she said. "But if you use a movement for your own personal gain and you inhabit queer, feminist, intersectional spaces and you abuse that moment, then I hope justice gets served."

Later on that day, after the videos were taken down, Love posted on her own Instagram account, writing an apology, although never naming Heard or Depp.

"I engaged in expressing thoughts online," she wrote, saying that it was a mistake and that she has had her own fair share of public criticism, adding, "I want to show neutral support for a friend. I don't want to bully."

"I want nothing to do with contributing more online bullying to someone enduring being bullied like no one ever has been online," she said, referring to Heard.

She went on to say she has empathy for "both parties" and apologized for her words.

David Krumholtz defended Heard's character and called out Depp on his reported drug addiction.

David Krumholtz defended Heard's character and called out Depp on his reported drug addiction.
David Krumholtz.Lev Radin/Shutterstock

Krumholtz, best known for his role in "The Santa Clause" franchise, publicly defended Heard in late May 2022.

In since-expired Instagram stories, the actor wrote about the exes' intense situation, showing his support for Heard and criticizing Depp.

"Amber Heard is a victim of abuse by Johnny Depp," he wrote, adding, "Drugs and alcohol turn men into monsters ... I believe Amber Heard ... She is not innocent. But she IS a victim," according to ET.

"I worked with Amber Heard. She is not psychotic. She is brilliant and strong and got caught up in bull----. She made a mistake," he added.

The pair previously worked together on the 2011 series "The Playboy Club."

Krumholtz also made more digs at Depp and claimed he hasn't owned up to his addiction issues.

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Kate Moss, one of Depp's exes, served as a witness during the 2022 trial, confirming on May 25 that he had never been violent towards her.

Kate Moss, one of Depp's exes, served as a witness during the 2022 trial, confirming on May 25 that he had never been violent towards her.
Kate Moss.Cubankite/Shutterstock

On May 25, during the last week of Depp and Heard's defamation trial, Moss testified in favor of Depp.

Since Heard brought up a rumor during the trial that Depp pushed Moss down the stairs during their '90s relationship, Depp's team called on the model as a witness.

In a brief livestreamed video testimony, Moss answered questions from Depp's lawyer about the rumored incident while the couple were on vacation.

"We were leaving the room, and Johnny left the room before I did, and there had been a rain storm, and as I left the room, I slid down the stairs and I hurt my back," she said.

"I screamed because I didn't know what happened to me and I was in pain," Moss said, adding, "He came running back to help me and carried me to my room and got me medical attention."

When asked whether there were any other instances that Depp pushed her, Moss said, "No, he never pushed me, kicked me, or threw me down any stairs."

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