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| Actor Johnny Depp Disavows Anti-American Quotes | |
| 2003-09-05 | |
| Denying any anti-American sentiment on his part, actor Johnny Depp said on Thursday that quotes attributed to him as likening the United States to a "dumb puppy" were inaccurate and taken out of context. "I am an American. " Not so loud! "I love my country and have great hopes for it," Depp said in a statement released by his Los Angeles-based publicist. "It is for this reason that I speak candidly and sometimes critically about it. I have benefited greatly from the freedom that exists in my country and for this I am eternally grateful." "I mean, where else could I act like such an idiot?" Depp, currently starring in the swashbuckling film "Pirates of the Caribbean," issued the statement a day after the German news magazine Stern published an interview in which he ridiculed Washington’s confrontation with France, where he lives, over the U.S. war in Iraq. The magazine quoted the actor as saying "America is ... like a dumb puppy that has big teeth that can bite and hurt you, aggressive." He was further quoted as saying he wanted his children to "see America as ... a broken toy" that they should explore, get the feel of, then "get out." Explaining his comments a day later "Please don’t stop seeing my movies! I might have to get a job tending bar, and you know how hard it is to get a job in France?" "What I was saying was that, compared to Europe, America is a very young country and we are still growing as a nation," he said. "My deepest apologies to those who were offended, affected, or hurt by this insanely twisted deformation of my words and intent." His spokeswoman added that the Kentucky-born Depp, 40, lives in the south of France with his family because his wife, actress-singer Vanessa Paradis, is French. Ah well, his publicist certainly sounds contrite. Do we let him off the hook?
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| Posted by:Steve White |
| #46 I had it beaten into my head, time and time again, that as a military member assigned outside the Continental United States (CONUS), I was an "unofficial ambassador of the United States", and that people would judge my country by my behavior. The unsaid part of that was heard equally as loud - 'screw up and we'll stomp your bu$$'. Johnny Depp may live in France, but he's a US citizen. Because he is, he has influence as an 'unofficial ambassador', just as I did. His shooting his mouth off in France is just as equivalent of my badmouthing the US in Vietnam, or Panama, or Germany, or anywhere else in the world I might have been travelling. The same can be said of the Dixie |
| Posted by: Old Patriot 2003-9-5 11:24:13 PM |
| #45 The Stern insists that it quoted Depp correctly. |
| Posted by: True German Ally 2003-9-5 10:51:38 PM |
| #44 Yank, I don't think we know whether Arnold is fiscally conservative yet. It seems odd that NMM would declare him a full-fledged member of the Right-Wing Conspiracy. He's probably politically to the left of JFK and even married into the family. I'm conservative and would probably support McClintock if I lived in California, but Arnold shouldn't really be looked upon as Beelzebub by conservatives or liberals. Arnold is not even really centrist. He defies labeling. |
| Posted by: Super Hose 2003-9-5 7:56:20 PM |
| #43 Superhose, Arnold has said he is a socially liberal and fiscally conservative. He's not 100% conservative but few are. As long as he doesn't use the tax money to pay for socially liberal policies I feel comfortable considering him center right.In common usage anything to the right of center is called conservative. |
| Posted by: Yank 2003-9-5 3:55:18 PM |
| #42 Stern: "Not out of context" Stern magazine news editor Hans-Peter Junker said Friday that Depp's quotes were "not taken out of context." "Stern regrets that Johnny Depp is being criticized for his outspoken remarks in his homeland," Junker said. "Stern stands by its account." |
| Posted by: mojo 2003-9-5 3:26:11 PM |
| #41 In the Entertainment Industry aren't they supposed to kiss my butt to get my dollars? I'm the customer in the transaction. If I'm the customer in the transaction, they have no right to continued dollars from me if they value the patronage of someone else. Also, since when is Arnold a conservative? He may be a Republican, but that certainly doesn't make him conservative. That goes for John McCain and Blomberg as well. |
| Posted by: Super Hose 2003-9-5 2:59:49 PM |
| #40 Christ on a stick, we're talking Johnny Depp here. He's a brain-fried counterculture flake. It's only the luck of the draw that it isn't River Phoenix making stupid comments to a German journalist while Depp rots in a grave somewhere. Give the twit his out. It isn't as if he showed up naked on the cover of Entertainment Weekly to rub our noses in his opinions. |
| Posted by: Mitch H. 2003-9-5 2:43:39 PM |
| #39 F**K Johnny Depp. Stay in France. No, that's not right... F**K that A**HOLE Johnny Depp. There. Now I feel better. |
| Posted by: John Docker 2003-9-5 2:39:11 PM |
| #38 Flaming Sword> "but I always get slightly amused when Muslims (Hello Aris)" *blink* People, am I completely misreading this, or does Flaming Sword think for some reason that I'm a Muslim? |
| Posted by: Aris Katsaris 2003-9-5 1:49:59 PM |
| #37 Depp can say whatever he wants. I give as much credence to his meanderings as I do to the gobbledy-gook of my year old nephew. I think what everyone finds so galling, is the belief on the part of these folks that they should be free from criticism because they are a "celebrity" (thank you Reuters for the quotes). No criticism or consequences allowed. Robbins, Sarandan, Glover, et al, have a job - being in the movies. If they choose to speak out and create a negative public perception. Guess what? It may effect their saleability(?). Hitler was a hell of a public speaker and communicator. I don't see a mad rush to use him as a spokesperson for cellular phone/internet companies. If you're public image is going to effect my product, I'll find someone else. Too bad, so sad. |
| Posted by: Tornado 2003-9-5 1:27:26 PM |
| #36 I think Aris hit the mark here: Talk about revokation of Citizenship due to one's speech was way off the mark. At the same time, the same freedom of speech (to diss on America) and action (moving to France) open to Depp is also open to his critics (to tell him he's full of it and to refuse to attend his movies). Tolerance is the result of the social contract we've entered into where we agree that our diagreements should not result in the violation of anyone's rights or person. Until Depp, The Dixie Chicks, and NMM, can cite a constitutional right to mouth off and be immune from criticism, THEY are the conmen fabricating imaginary rights for themselves that they hypocritically deny to others to feed and preserve their egos. |
| Posted by: Ptah 2003-9-5 12:56:15 PM |
| #35 Yank, Cyber Sarge: You guys are always on the money. He indeed maybe sorry...or just sorry he got caught. How many times have we been treated to celebs spewing bile abroad fully believing it would never see the light of day in the US, and then react with absolute dismay at the reaction when it does. We may never know on this one...but his apology still dripped with that Old EUrope snobbery, but you're right - I don't see the kind of loathing in his statements that we saw from Sarandon and others. |
| Posted by: Rex Mundi 2003-9-5 12:28:57 PM |
| #34 It would be my *guess* that those who tossed around comments about revoking citizenship were merely speaking in the heat of the moment. Not many of us have any real problem with "free speech", but I always get slightly amused when Muslims (Hello Aris) want to chime in and pretend the merely because the speech itself is "free" that it should also be FREE OF CONSEQUENCES. Muslims know FIRSTHAND that in their OWN society speech (whether free or otherwise) does INDEED have consequences. Were this not the case, what else could explain why the supposed "moderate majority" are such cowards when it comes to decrying the actions of their radically violent "brethren" who seem to think that blowing up buildings full of unarmed civillians is something that Allah (may bees pee upon him) encourages? |
| Posted by: Flaming Sword 2003-9-5 12:12:13 PM |
| #33 The First Amendment protects a citizen from government infringing upon the citizens right of free speech. It does not protect anyone from being told by other citizens that they are stupid or to shut up. Most certianly it doesn't require me to subsedize an actor's lifestyle that I disagree with. Here is an example would be I no longer watch the NBA. I watched the NBA and my family bought tickets regularly to see the awful Cleveland Cadavers play in the 80's. I lost interest when the tattoos, rapping, and arrest felonies became a distraction for me. I pay to be entertained not annoyed. If I wanted to be annoyed, I would buy a ticket to see Carrott Top. |
| Posted by: Super Hose 2003-9-5 12:09:07 PM |
| #32 Here here Yank! Depp may have said something but I read his apology and I believe it. If he really meant it he would have pulled a Mike Moore (Yuck) and said 'So What?' Side note: He lives in France because his wife is French and not as an ex-pat. |
| Posted by: Cyber Sarge (VRWC CA Chapter) 2003-9-5 11:41:51 AM |
| #31 Many Rantburgers are acting as if Stern couldn't possibly have taken his comments out of context. I think he's a tool, but his correction/apology was quick and credible. |
| Posted by: Yank 2003-9-5 11:13:27 AM |
| #30 The problem isn't with people who criticize Depp or boycott his movies. The problem is with the people (the idiots) who say his citizenship should be revoked because of expressed opinions. People who say that have no idea what free speech or political freedoms mean. Opinions we disagree with --> No right for you to vote? Oh, yeah, I can see how this democracy thing should work according to some people here. Okay, why don't we revoke the citizenship from all Republicans? It's indeed very convenient, this logic. And where the hell does this attitude arise from that it's okay to insult a politician but not okay to insult your nation? It's not as if people had had any problem with people insulting *other* nations. Hypocritical any? |
| Posted by: Aris Katsaris 2003-9-5 8:31:03 AM |
| #29 That fact that Dipp did the old Hollywood shuffle when the American people heard about his rantings and ravings pretty much says it all about this Einstein. Humble pie anyone? |
| Posted by: Steve D. 2003-9-5 8:30:54 AM |
| #28 While I routinely watch movies made by people I disagree with their ideas (and to a lesser degree their actions) there is a point where I just say NO. I refrained to watch the last Polanski movie despite being good: I don't want my money filling the pockets of a guy who drugs and rapes 13 year old girls. I will watch it once Polanski is dead, not before. Same thing for Hanoi Fonda (who fortunately didn't make much of a career): it is not so much about her betrayal of her country but that her action (and the action of people like her) persuaded the North Vietnamese government after the Tet military fiasco that sooner or later the US will to fight would crumble. Fonda and her ilk were the reason the North Vietnamese didn't throw the towel after the Tet. She carries reponsability for the deaths of hundreds of thousands Vietnamese both before and after the fall of Saigon. If you stretch the hands of a murderer your hands will be covered in blood and Hanoi Fonda stretched hands with Ho Chi Minh. She will never see a cent of my money. |
| Posted by: JFM 2003-9-5 8:09:14 AM |
| #27 Enough debating free speech principles! It's Johnny Depp!! Frankly, this stuff is amusing. He compared America to a puppy dog, albeit a dumb one with with sharp teeth and something or other (graceful metaphor, Johnny!). Actually, we've heard America compared to things a lot worse than a puppy dog many times of late. At least he didn't say that we piss on the carpet and hump the EU's leg (Italy?). The comments about his kids were worse but who cares. He's just an actor. He's usually pretty good, even in cheesy movies. I hate Tim Robbins's politics and his acting but I still wont boycott Bull Durham or anything else if it's good. I won't boycott Woody Harrelson or George cLoonny either. |
| Posted by: Tokyo Taro 2003-9-5 7:35:40 AM |
| #26 Nm,Depp has the right to say anything he wants too.Just as I have the right to call him an ass.What is it with these celebs and people like you that think they are"More equal"than the rest of us? NMM.to qoute a Drill Sargent of mine"Your snit is very weak and runny" |
| Posted by: raptor 2003-9-5 7:27:30 AM |
| #25 The "free speech" and censorship comments by Mike Moore have always made me laugh. Speaking up and using YOUR free speech to combat the free speech of others is censorship to them. Having your movie tank because you spout off anti-American horse manure, well, that is freedom in action as well. Freedom cuts both ways. I would disagree with JFM, in that the actors and singers, being in the media business, have a natural advantage in getting their views out, but that is hardly "un-democratic". Its largely due to market forces, people willing to tune in and listen to them. It does not make Depp or the Dixie Chicks more qualified, if anything, being an actor or singer probably makes them less qualified to speak on politics. Think about it. An actor has to memorize lines, blocking, stage direction, etc. A singer has concert after concert, rehersals, etc. Both have a very busy life most of the time. There is only so many hours in a day, and the time you are working on that, you are not looking at what is going on in the world around you. Unlike that truck driver who is listening to news on his cross country trips. |
| Posted by: Ben 2003-9-5 6:24:47 AM |
| #24 I get it Bulldog but maybe we're on different wavelengths--I wouldn't boycott T3 because I don't like Arnold's politics--liked the movie |
| Posted by: Not Mike Moore 2003-9-5 4:45:11 AM |
| #23 NMM, You don't buy into the actions -> consequences theory then? As has been noted above, a celebrity stands on a higher platform than the rest of us. That's power but with that comes responsibility. If my associates don't like what I have to say, I might lose a few friends and social oportunities. If the public don't like what an actor says, he too loses goodwill and will suffer from the loss of popular support. Would you still be defending Depp if he spoke at the next National Front rally alongside le Pen? I'll boycott celebrities with whom I disagree, and I'm amazed that anyone could be naive enough to suggest that that's somehow 'wrong'. Actions -> consequences. Get it? |
| Posted by: Bulldog 2003-9-5 4:34:35 AM |
| #22 but don't bash him for that either. Than you're an outstanding human being, and I'm not. I don't like it when someone pisses on my leg and tells me it's raining (and hell, I'm not even American). |
| Posted by: Rafael 2003-9-5 4:34:05 AM |
| #21 I do NOT agree with his comments and don't like what he said OK? Big newsflash Rafael--liberals love their country and don't like to hear people say bad things about it--at least this one doesn't! I don't agree with the NRA--Mr Heston's organization--but don't bash him for that either. |
| Posted by: Not Mike Moore 2003-9-5 4:27:52 AM |
| #20 I won't boycott his movies because of his comments - that's probably because you agree with them I don't have to agree with their politics to appreciate their art as actors - that's probably because they never called you a dumb puppy. |
| Posted by: Rafael 2003-9-5 4:23:23 AM |
| #19 JFM--pas du tout! If an American actor living in France wants to make anti-American comments--I don't approve--but that is his right as an American citizen. I won't boycott his movies because of his comments--I go to the movies for entertainment. I loved John Wayne--and Charleton Heston movies--but I don't have to agree with their politics to appreciate their art as actors! The Green Berets was one of the most moving films I've ever seen! |
| Posted by: Not Mike Moore 2003-9-5 4:18:46 AM |
| #18 He may have a right to free speech, but no one has a right to force me to see bad movies. |
| Posted by: PJ 2003-9-5 4:16:37 AM |
| #17 Mr Moore It seems you have a peculiar view of freedom of expression as a right restricted to actors and dumb singers provided they have deep pockets. I, for one, strongly dispute the right for such people or journalists to use their celebrity or access to media in order to propel their causes. It strikes me as fundamentally anti-democratic that the opinion of a truck driver only reaches the few persons around him while the opinion of Johnny Dep or the Dixie chicks reaches millions of people. What they have done to deserve a such privilege? It has nothing to do with being elected and having a pretty body, being able to simulate feelings (or have a a nice voice) and, possibly, having slept with the right persons does not make Johnny Dep or the Dixie Chicks more intelligent and qualified in foreign politics than your average truck driver. And they are probably far less intelligent than your average engineer whose voice also reaches far less people than the Dixie Chicks voice. That is one of the reasons I admire Tom Cruise: because AFAIK he has remembered of the tens of million voiceless people in America and has ever given his opinions in private without using his celebrity to propel them. Another point: Johnny Depp has a right of expression but so have the ordinary citizens and that means the right to deride what he says and call to boycott his movies. |
| Posted by: JFM 2003-9-5 4:10:58 AM |
| #16 Bring it .com but a little more rationally s'il vous plait |
| Posted by: Not Mike Moore 2003-9-5 4:03:00 AM |
| #15 My "sucker" was directed at Dipp, but anyway... glad you took offense. Arnold hasn't insulted anyone yet, has he? If he starts calling America a bunch of {insert your fav insult} then I'll poop on him and his movies too, don't worry. |
| Posted by: Rafael 2003-9-5 4:02:20 AM |
| #14 LOL! Congrats, "Rantbourgeois" - you've overpowered NMM's meds! This is some very phunny shit! Keep it up guys! |
| Posted by: .com 2003-9-5 3:48:20 AM |
| #13 Hey R McLeod--we have a right wing loon--Arnold running for governor. Revoke his citizenship--that's a fascist view Charles--if you're an American citizen you are able to express your views in any country NOT involved in a war with the US--which unfortunately for you Rantbourgeois does include France Rafael--kiss my ass sucker |
| Posted by: Not Mike Moore 2003-9-5 3:38:09 AM |
| #12 Absolutely, Mike, he can say whatever the hell he wants. And I can say whatever the hell I want about him and his opinions. What is it about criticism of dumb-ass leftist actors? Why is it that anyone giving it back to them is somehow denying some actor of HIS rights? Remember the Dixie Chicks and the terrible censorship against them? They made $60 MILLION on that tour, most of it in the US. Remember how Sarandon and Robbins said they were afraid of McCarthyism? Yeah, been terrible for them. They've been in a combined total of four movies in the last six months. Horrible, horrible! What if the actor was a rightwing looney? What if I said he was a stupid fool for his opinions? Would that be denying the actor his rights? Mike: if you want to defend Depp's point of view, go right ahead. But he doesn't need you to defend his right to say what he wants. That's a given, my man. And it's a given that I'm going to say something right back. Only a pussy backs off just because he's challenged... |
| Posted by: R. McLeod 2003-9-5 3:07:06 AM |
| #11 What does free speech have to do with anything?? Everyone is free to say whatever they want, but try yelling fire in a crowded theatre, or calling for the extermination of a certain race. Yup, it's the big C word: consequences. Dipp opened his mouth, now he's harvesting the consequences: nothing free about free speech, sucker. |
| Posted by: Rafael 2003-9-5 3:05:41 AM |
| #10 No, he will always have his right too free speech. He just won't have his right to be called a citizen of this country. Hint: America isn't the only country with free speech. |
| Posted by: Charles 2003-9-5 2:46:40 AM |
| #9 Just because he is a successful actor does NOT take away his right to free speech |
| Posted by: Not Mike Moore 2003-9-5 2:43:03 AM |
| #8 Tolerance for critisizing our leaders is one thing. Tolerance for dis-crediting our nation is another. He should have his citizenship revoked. Let's see how much he loves France when he's on their welfare system. |
| Posted by: Charles 2003-9-5 2:42:11 AM |
| #7 Sassing the Bushies and calling America a dumb puppy are two different things. |
| Posted by: Rafael 2003-9-5 2:41:27 AM |
| #6 Love that good old American tolerance as witnessed by the previous comments--if you are a successful American actor ya better not sass the Bushies |
| Posted by: Not Mike Moore 2003-9-5 2:38:09 AM |
| #5 Dumber still: He has a new movie coming out this month called " Once upon a time in Mexico. " Who wants to go throw garbage at the red-carpet opening? |
| Posted by: Charles 2003-9-5 2:31:45 AM |
| #4 ...and I mean long after Sept. 11th, like maybe December. |
| Posted by: Rafael 2003-9-5 2:25:34 AM |
| #3 have great hopes for it... WTF does that mean??? a dumb puppy that has big teeth...and I think you just found out how big those teeth are: even when you're hiding in Europe, they can still reach out and bite yo' ass! Speaking of dumb puppies... couldn't he have atleast waited until after Sept. 11th to express his thoughts. What a dumb f&ck. |
| Posted by: Rafael 2003-9-5 2:23:35 AM |
| #2 WW1 and WW2 were just the biggest ones. Europe has been in a state of war at one spot or another since..... Damn, they've been fighting eachother since they first got there. It's just now they've decided to |
| Posted by: Charles 2003-9-5 2:13:06 AM |
| #1 Let him off the hook? No way. He may live in France, but has he renounced US citizenship? But even that doesn't matter. And then he tries to cover his tracks with the pathetic screed about how we should learn from the much wiser EUrope. I think WWI and WWII were lessons enough. What an @$$h@t. |
| Posted by: Rex Mundi 2003-9-5 1:16:32 AM |