Johnny Depp has never been a quiet presence. For decades, Hollywood watched him build an extraordinary career, collect an inner circle of fiercely loyal people, and yes, fall in and out of love very publicly.
But 2022 brought something none of them expected. The Depp–Heard defamation trial exploded into one of the most-watched legal dramas in modern history, and suddenly the people who knew Depp best faced a choice, stay silent or speak up.
They spoke up.
Former partners, longtime friends, and close collaborators all stepped forward with a remarkably consistent message: the man Amber Heard described in court bore no resemblance to the Johnny Depp they knew. Some posted on social media. Some wrote formal letters to courts. Some sat down for interviews. Each one had a story, and a reason to tell it.
Here are 10 of them.
10. Sherilyn Fenn
Dated · 1985–1988 (approx.)
Best known for her role as Audrey Horn in Twin Peaks, Sherilyn Fenn met Johnny Depp on the set of a student film in 1985, before either of them was famous. They dated for roughly three and a half years, and Fenn even made a guest appearance in a 1987 episode of Depp’s TV show 21 Jump Street. As their careers picked up, they parted ways but on warm terms. During the trial, Fenn made her support public on social media.
“First loves.” Sherilyn Fenn, Instagram caption on a throwback photo of the two, April 2022. She also used the hashtag #IStandWithJohnny on Twitter on May 9, 2022.
Source: Sherilyn Fenn’s public Instagram and Twitter posts.
9. Lori Anne Allison
Married · 1983–1985
Before fame found either of them, Johnny Depp married Lori Anne Allison in 1983 reportedly after being introduced through actor Nicolas Cage. Allison was a makeup artist, and Depp was just 20 years old at the time. The marriage lasted two years. Allison has largely stayed out of public life since, but reportedly gave an interview during the trial expressing support for Depp.
“We all know he’s a talented actor and can pull off the pirate thing like nobody’s business, but he’s also an extremely talented guitar player.” Lori Anne Allison, as quoted in a report.
8. Jennifer Grey
Engaged · Late 1980s
At the height of her fame following Dirty Dancing, Jennifer Grey briefly dated Johnny Depp. Depp proposed to her, but the engagement was called off and they never married. In her memoir, Grey described the relationship warmly. However, when asked about the trial by Extra magazine, she was careful to stay neutral.
“He was funny and sweet and just so charming and quirky and weird and self-effacing and just so unique and gorgeous and he was obsessed with me and romantic.” Jennifer Grey, from her memoir.
“I haven’t known him for 30 years… The whole thing makes me insanely sad for everybody involved. These are people who are damaged and continue to damage each other.” Jennifer Grey, speaking to Extra magazine during the trial.
Source: Jennifer Grey’s memoir and Extra magazine interview.
7. Juliette Lewis
Brief relationship · Early 1990s
Juliette Lewis reportedly had a short-lived romance with Depp after they worked together on the 1993 film What’s Eating Gilbert Grape. There were no hard feelings the two were photographed smiling together at the 2016 Met Gala. Lewis offered brief public sympathy during the trial.
“I don’t want to get too much into it, but honestly I do feel for him. I hope he finds the outcome he is looking for.” Juliette Lewis, in a magazine interview.
6. Winona Ryder
Dated & engaged · 1989–1993
One of Depp’s most iconic relationships, Winona Ryder first met him at the premiere of Great Balls of Fire in 1989. They later co-starred in Tim Burton’s Edward Scissorhands. Depp proposed, and they were engaged for several years before parting ways in 1993. Ryder has consistently spoken fondly of the relationship. During Depp’s 2020 UK libel case against The Sun, she submitted a formal letter to London’s High Court.
“The idea that he is an incredibly violent person is the furthest thing from the Johnny I knew and loved… He was never, never violent towards me. He has never been violent or harmful towards anybody I’ve seen.” Winona Ryder, in a letter submitted to London’s High Court, 2020.
Source: Winona Ryder’s letter to London’s High Court, 2020.
Note: The following entries are close friends and co-stars, not romantic partners, but were included for their notable public support.
5. Penélope Cruz
Co-star & longtime friend
Penélope Cruz and Depp never dated, but have a deep professional friendship spanning films like the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, Blow, and Murder on the Orient Express. Cruz posted a lengthy statement of support on Instagram during the trial.
“I met Johnny when I was 19 years old… Many years have passed and I have not only made three movies with him but I also count on him as a great friend. I’ve always been impressed by his kindness, his brilliant mind, his talent and his peculiar sense of humor.” Penélope Cruz, Instagram, 2022.
Source: Penélope Cruz’s Instagram post
4. Paul Bettany
Close friend & co-star
Paul Bettany and Depp have been close friends for years, having met on a film set. Bettany’s name was also raised in court after private text messages between him and Depp became part of the proceedings. He had publicly spoken up for Depp as far back as 2016, during Depp’s divorce from Amber Heard.
“Known Johnny Depp for years and through several relationships. He’s the sweetest, kindest, gentlest man that I’ve ever known. Just saying.” Paul Bettany, Twitter, 2016.
Source: Paul Bettany’s 2016 tweet.
3. Kate Moss
Dated · Mid-1990s
Kate Moss and Johnny Depp were one of the defining celebrity couples of the mid-90s, having met in a New York restaurant. Their relationship had some turbulent moments Depp was arrested after a hotel incident though Moss was reportedly unharmed. The relationship became directly relevant to the trial when Amber Heard claimed to have heard a rumour that Depp had pushed Moss down a flight of stairs. Moss has consistently spoken warmly of Depp long after their split.
“There’s nobody that’s ever really been able to take care of me. Johnny did for a bit… if I said what do I do, he’d tell me. And that’s what I missed when I left.” Kate Moss, Vanity Fair, 2012.
Source: Kate Moss, Vanity Fair, 2012.
2. Ellen Barkin
Brief relationship · Mid-1990s
Ellen Barkin’s relationship with Depp was short-lived, but her name came up in trial proceedings after Amber Heard alleged Depp had thrown a wine bottle at Barkin. Barkin herself confirmed in testimony (via video) that an incident involving a bottle did occur, though her lawyer indicated her full account was more complex than a simple corroboration of Heard’s version.
“Ellen’s testimony will be critical to Amber Heard [who] needs independent witnesses to corroborate her story.” Barkin’s lawyer.
Note: This is one area where the full context of Barkin’s testimony should be read from primary court coverage for accuracy.
1. Vanessa Paradis
Long-term partner · 1998–2012 · Two children together
French actress, model, and singer Vanessa Paradis was Johnny Depp’s longest romantic relationship 14 years and two children together, though they never married. Depp once told interviewers that marriage felt unnecessary for them. Paradis has remained on Depp’s side throughout the legal proceedings, and the two continue to co-parent their children.
“I have always known Johnny to be a kind, attentive, generous, and non-violent person and father.” Vanessa Paradis, statement during the trial.
Source: Vanessa Paradis’s public statement.