Johnny Depp opens up about his painful internal journey post-Amber Heard trial, letting go of hate, and rebuilding his career. Dive into his candid reflections and Hollywood comeback.
Johnny Depp has bared his soul in a revealing interview with The Telegraph, reflecting on the “harsh and painful internal journey” he endured after his high-profile defamation battle with ex-wife Amber Heard. The 62-year-old Hollywood icon, known for his roles in Pirates of the Caribbean and Edward Scissorhands, spoke candidly about letting go of hate, reclaiming his career, and finding peace after years of public scrutiny.
The 2022 Virginia trial, which captivated global audiences, saw both Depp and Heard sue each other for defamation, with Depp emerging with a larger damages award. Now, as he navigates life post-trial, Depp’s reflections offer a glimpse into his resilience and renewed focus on his craft.
The Emotional Toll of a Public Feud
The defamation saga between Johnny Depp and Amber Heard began with a 2018 op-ed Heard wrote for The Washington Post, identifying herself as a survivor of domestic violence. Though she didn’t name Depp, the piece—published two years after their 2016 divorce—cast a shadow over his reputation, costing him roles and sparking intense media scrutiny.
Depp, in response, filed a $50 million defamation lawsuit, claiming Heard’s allegations were false and damaging. Heard countersued for $100 million, alleging Depp’s legal actions defamed her. The 2022 Virginia trial, livestreamed to millions, became a cultural flashpoint, with fans and critics dissecting every moment.
In his Telegraph interview, Depp described the ordeal as a “harsh, painful internal journey” that consumed “seven or eight years” of his life. “This sounds like horses***, but one can simply hold hate [until it] inspires some species of malice in your skull,” he said, admitting that clinging to resentment breeds thoughts of revenge.
Yet, he emphasized his choice to move beyond hate: “The real truth of it, that I won’t allow, is that in order for me to hate, I have to care first. And I don’t care.” His words reflect a deliberate effort to release the emotional burden of the conflict, prioritizing healing over bitterness.
The trial’s emotional weight was compounded by its public nature. Depp faced allegations of abuse, while Heard countered with claims of being vilified by his fans. The Virginia jury ultimately found both parties liable for defamation, awarding Depp $10.35 million and Heard $2 million. The case settled in December 2022, with Heard paying Depp $1 million, which he donated to charities.
For Depp, the legal battle wasn’t just about clearing his name but ensuring “a lie” wouldn’t define his Hollywood legacy. “I didn’t want a lie to be the deciding factor of whether or not I have the capability of making movies,” he said, underscoring his determination to reclaim his career.
Lessons Learned and a Career Reborn
Depp’s journey through the trial taught him “far more than I ever dreamed I could,” he told The Telegraph. The experience, while grueling, forced him to confront personal and professional challenges head-on. “Would I rather not have gone through something like that? Absolutely,” he admitted, but the lessons gained have shaped his perspective.
The actor, once a box-office titan, saw his career stall as studios distanced themselves amid the controversy. Disney, for instance, dropped him from future Pirates of the Caribbean projects, a move that stung given his iconic portrayal of Captain Jack Sparrow.
Since the trial, Depp has been rebuilding his career with a focus on passion projects. In 2023, he starred as King Louis XV in the French film Jeanne du Barry, which premiered at Cannes to a standing ovation. He’s also returned to directing, helming Modi, a biopic about artist Amedeo Modigliani, set for release in 2025. Posts on X reflect growing fan excitement, with many praising his resilience and talent.
“Johnny Depp is back, and Hollywood can’t ignore him anymore,” one user wrote, capturing the sentiment of his loyal fanbase. His recent collaboration with Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Film Festival, where he’s mentoring emerging filmmakers, further signals his commitment to the industry.
Depp’s reflections suggest a man at peace with his past, even as he acknowledges its pain. “Plenty of people get done wrong,” he said, framing his experience as part of a broader human struggle. This perspective has fueled his creative resurgence, allowing him to channel his energy into roles and projects that resonate with his artistic vision.
While the trial exposed personal vulnerabilities, it also galvanized his supporters, who rallied behind him with hashtags like #JusticeForJohnnyDepp. The actor’s ability to move forward without “carrying hate” speaks to a maturity honed through adversity, positioning him as a figure of redemption in Hollywood’s unforgiving spotlight.
The Broader Impact and Ongoing Debate
The Depp-Heard trial wasn’t just a personal battle—it sparked a global conversation about domestic abuse, media influence, and the court of public opinion. Heard’s op-ed, intended to advocate for survivors, became a lightning rod for controversy, with some accusing her of exploiting the #MeToo movement. Conversely, Depp’s supporters argued he was a victim of false allegations, pointing to audio recordings and trial evidence suggesting mutual conflict. The jury’s split decision—finding both parties liable—reflected the complexity of their relationship, leaving neither fully vindicated.
The trial’s aftermath continues to ripple through pop culture. Heard, now living in Spain and focusing on motherhood, has largely stepped back from acting, though she reprised her role in Aquaman 2 in 2023. Posts on X show polarized opinions, with some users defending Heard and others echoing Depp’s narrative of being “done wrong.” The case also raised questions about social media’s role in shaping narratives, as X became a battleground for competing hashtags and viral clips. A 2025 Variety article noted that the trial “reshaped how celebrities navigate public disputes,” citing its impact on stars like Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, who face similar legal battles.
For Depp, the trial’s legacy is bittersweet. It restored much of his reputation, with brands like Dior renewing his endorsement deals, but it came at a personal cost. His Telegraph interview reveals a man who values growth over grudges, choosing to “let go” rather than dwell on past wrongs. As he prepares for new projects, including a rumored Pirates reboot, Depp’s focus is on the future. His story resonates with those who’ve faced public judgment, offering a narrative of resilience in an era where reputations can be made or broken online.
Depp’s journey underscores a universal truth: healing requires letting go. By refusing to let hate define him, he’s reclaiming his place in Hollywood and inspiring fans to see beyond the headlines. As he put it, “What should I care about? That I got done wrong? Plenty of people get done wrong.” In those words lies the heart of his redemption—a painful, but ultimately transformative, path forward.
