Paul Bettany Clarifies Long-Standing Silence With Johnny Depp Amid VisionQuest Promotion
Paul Bettany has clarified that he and Johnny Depp had not spoken in years when their 2013 text messages were read aloud during Depp's 2020 libel trial against The Sun. Speaking to The Times, Bettany stated he has not contacted Depp since that period, describing the public perception of them as close friends as 'odd.' The comments were made during the promotion of Bettany's new series, VisionQuest.
Key points
- Bettany told The Times he had not spoken to Depp in years when the texts surfaced in 2020 and has not spoken to him since.
- The 2013 messages, which included graphic language about Amber Heard, were read in court during Depp's libel case against News Group Newspapers.
- Bettany chose not to comment publicly at the time, stating he believed the public knew his character and that the situation was a 'nothing burger.'
- The comments were made in the context of promoting VisionQuest, the final installment of the WandaVision trilogy.
- Depp lost the 2020 libel trial, with Judge Andrew Nicol ruling the Sun's characterization of him as a 'wife-beater' was substantially true.
Background
This statement follows earlier coverage of Bettany distancing himself from Depp during the VisionQuest premiere. It also comes amid Depp's recent studio return, including the release of the Day Drinker trailer and his upcoming role in Ebenezer, marking a significant career resurgence since his 2022 legal battles.
How outlets are covering it
Variety, The Independent, TheWrap, and Just Jared all report on Bettany's comments to The Times, emphasizing his lack of recent contact with Depp. TheWrap highlights the timing with the VisionQuest premiere, while Just Jared provides background on the 2021 comments Bettany made to The Independent about the unpleasantness of having his texts scoured by lawyers. All sources agree on the core facts of the 2013 texts and the 2020 trial outcome.
Why it matters
Bettany's clarification aims to correct the public narrative that he was a close ally of Depp during the highly publicized 2020 trial. It also reflects on the lasting impact of the Depp-Heard legal battle on the reputations and relationships of those involved, even years later.
What to watch
Bettany will continue promoting VisionQuest. Depp's career momentum continues with the upcoming release of Day Drinker in March 2027 and his role in Ebenezer.
- Johnny Depp and Paul Bettany 'Hadn't Spoken' in Years By Libel Trial Variety
- Paul Bettany says he was mispainted as Johnny Depp’s ‘close’ friend in lawsuit: ‘Haven’t spoken to him since’ Entertainment Weekly
- Paul Bettany distances himself from Johnny Depp after text message scandal The Independent
- Paul Bettany Claims He Was Misrepresented as Johnny Depp's 'Close Friend' TheWrap
- Paul Bettany Discusses Those Johnny Depp Text Messages, Says They Haven't Spoken in Years Just Jared
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