Johnny Depp showed up at the Cannes Film Festival a year after a highly publicised court trial with his ex-wife Amber Heard, for the screening of his French period film ‘Jeanne du Barry’, in which he played King Louis XV.
In a viral clip, the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ actor was seen receiving a thunderous seven minute standing ovation at the premiere of the film.
Social media users however remained divided on the actor’s comeback.
Some users were praising how Depp made a powerful comeback after facing years of pushback, being dropped by some major roles, as well as the court trial with his ex-wife Heard, who accused him of domestic abuse and rape.
the audience at cannes screaming johnny depp's name when he arrived is music to my ears #Cannes2023 pic.twitter.com/0XolDY9aQP
— maría (@jxnsmanager) May 16, 2023
one year ago today Johnny Depp was in a courtroom as a victim of domestic violence fighting for his justice. today he is attending Cannes with his new movie Jeanne Du Barry opening the festival where he starred in as a king. you can’t keep a good man down. proud of him pic.twitter.com/pRiNoUoFJR
— Beb (@BowerxDepp) May 16, 2023
Some were enraged at how the prestigious film festival refused to condemn abusers, which lead to the launch of the viral hashtag #cannesyounot, through which Twitter users criticised festival organisers for overlooking allegations of abuse on Depp.
This is why Adele Haenel will always be a hero for walking out of the 2020 César Awards when others were clapping for Roman Polanski, who is Johnny Depp's friend. It takes great conviction and courage to do walk out. #Cannes2023 #CannesYouNot https://t.co/epNLUbpN6I pic.twitter.com/JT2IcCqKvX
— Dani Fethez (@DaniMet1) May 16, 2023
average french person when pedophiles and rapists https://t.co/JYZlXlDpoj pic.twitter.com/gImCXq2gza
— deadbeat cousin (@hotline2hades) May 17, 2023
In an article posted in ‘Liberation’ newspaper, 123 French film workers had criticised the festival’s decision to invite Depp:
“By rolling out the red carpet to men and women who commit assaults, the festival demonstrates that violence in creative circles can be exercised with complete impunity,” they wrote.