Cannes film festival kicked off on Tuesday, 16th May in France and would run through till the 27th. Several stars graced the carpets of the 76th Cannes film festival but, it was Hollywood star Johnny DEPP that had the entertainment scene buzzing.
The 59 year old veteran actor who in recent years battled in court on charges of assaulting ex girlfriend Amber heard, has now made a return to the big scene. The Cannes film festival opened with a Johnny depp film titled “Jeanne Du Barry.”
The embattled actor received an overwhelming seven-minute standing ovation, for his performance as the King Louis XV, perhaps maybe solidifying his long awaited return. Although Depp was greeted by thousands of supportive fans, and applauded by the festivals director Thierry Fremaux, many Amber heard fans were not in support.
In fact, Heard followers took to social media to censure the event – a campaign, using the hashtag #CannesYouNot, to condemn the Festivals supposed support for individuals accused of abuse since inception. Some argued that Cannes’ decision to showcase Depp’s film contradicts its purported commitment to combating abuse and discrimination within the industry.
For some others, it was an emotional return, especially for Depp who fought back tears as the crowd in the South of France applauded him. The festival’s chair has also defended their choice of depp’s opening film emphasizing freedom of thought and speech.