Johnny Depp is opening up about his emotional journey following his legal battle with ex-wife Amber Heard, emphasizing that he refuses to carry hate in his heart despite the years of public controversy.
The former couple parted ways in 2016, but the drama escalated when Heard wrote an op-ed suggesting she had been a victim of abuse. Though she didn’t mention Johnny Depp by name, the implications were clear and damaging to his career. Johnny Depp later filed a defamation lawsuit against her, leading to a highly publicized court case.
In a recent interview with The Telegraph, Depp reflected on the toll the events took on his personal life and career. “This sounds like horses***, but one can simply hold hate until it inspires some species of malice in your skull,” he said. “But hating someone is a great big responsibility to hang on to.”
Depp explained that he doesn’t harbor hatred because he doesn’t care to anymore. “In order for me to hate, I have to care first. And I don’t care. What should I care about? That I got done wrong by others? Plenty of people get done wrong.”
He also discussed why he felt compelled to take legal action, stating that remaining silent wasn’t an option. Johnny Depp made it clear that he couldn’t allow a lie to destroy his legacy or define his worth in Hollywood.
Reflecting on the experience, the Pirates of the Caribbean star said the past few years have been difficult but enlightening. “It was a harsh, painful internal journey,” he said. “Would I rather not have gone through something like that? Absolutely. But I learned far more than I ever dreamed I could.”
As he moves forward, Johnny Depp appears focused on healing, growth, and reclaiming his place in the industry—without resentment.
Johnny Depp’s reflections reveal a man who has chosen personal growth and resilience over resentment. Despite enduring a long and painful public battle, Depp has emerged with a renewed perspective—choosing peace over hate and truth over silence. As he rebuilds his career and life, his message is clear: he’s moving forward without bitterness, stronger and wiser from the experience.