Sir Paul McCartney divides opinion as he uses Johnny Depp clip at Glastonbury set

Sir Paul McCartney courted controversy on Saturday night as he used a clip of Johnny Depp from an old music video during his headline Glastonbury performance.

The Beatles star, who turned 80 last week, took to the famous Pyramid stage this weekend to perform a selection of some of his most beloved tracks as he broke the record for being the oldest solo performer to ever grace the music festival’s stage.

It was during a performance of his track My Valentine, that a video was played on the screen behind Sir Paul, featuring the Pirates of the Caribbean actor using sign language in accompaniment to the song.

The clip was from the 2012 music video for the track, which featured other famous faces including actress Natalie Portman, alongside Johnny Depp.

But the use of the clip has divided the opinion of many fans, who felt it was inappropriate given Johnny’s recent high profile legal battle with ex-wife Amber Heard.


The 59 year old star recently won a defamation lawsuit against Amber, after she wrote a damning op-ed piece that painted him as an abuser.

It isn’t the first time Sir Paul has used the footage either, as during his recent US Get Back tour, the same video was also played – even while Johnny and Amber were still fighting their case in court.

Although the rocker didn’t address the court case directly during the concern, many fans felt it was a show of solidarity towards Johnny, with the crowds immediately cheering loudly as he appeared on screen.

Viewers at home also echoed the show of support, with many praising the use of the video.


“Happy Birthday Sir Paul, hope it was a blessed and wonderful day and thank you for supporting fellow survivor Johnny Depp,” wrote one fan.

While another commented:”#PaulMcCartney played a video of #JohnnyDepp during his set tonight headlining at Glastonbury thank you #JOHNNYDEPPWINS.”

Before a third added: “Aaah I love 'My Valentine' and I'm glad gorgeous Johnny Depp and Natalie Portman are being shown on the screens from the video! #Glastonbury2022 #PaulMcCartney.”

Not everyone was impressed with the choice however, with some even going so far as to argue it went against everything Glastonbury stood for, as an inclusive place for all.

“ I'm so sad that a man like Paul McCartney has chosen to give Johnny Depp a platform,” wrote one fan.


Another music fan also tweeted: “I love Paul McCartney but so deeply disappointed he showed the Johnny Depp footage. It's shameful.”

While a third commented: “Deeply disappointed in both @PaulMcCartney and @glastonbury for the Johnny Depp video. Feels like it goes against everything Glastonbury stands for.”

The decision to air the clip comes just days after Amber Heard’s lawyer had claimed that she can't afford to pay Johnny the damages awarded to him by the court.

The Aquaman actress was ordered to pay her ex-husband $10 million in compensatory damages, and $5 million in punitive damages after a jury found in Mr Depp’s favour earlier this month.

It is currently unknown whether Johnny will enforce the payment of these damages, as he admitted himself following his victory that it was never about the money, but rather about restoring his reputation.

READ NEXT:

Source: Read Full Article