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Is Johnny Depp a victim or predator? New ‘Implosion’ magazine cover highlighting ‘revenge’ sparks debate

The opening statement in the story reads, 'It wasn't just erratic and violent behavior that wrecked one of the world's most bankable stars. It was his unquenchable thirst for revenge'

Although Johnny Depp tried to rehabilitate his reputation by filing a defamation lawsuit against The Sun tabloid for labeling him a “wife-beater”, following his former wife Amber Heard’s domestic violence allegations, the complicated case didn’t work in his favor when the UK court ruled against him. 

For a long time, fans of both the celebrities have been divided over their tumultuous relationship, events of which unfolded publicly. The ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ star was hit hard by the verdict, both professionally and personally. While he came to be scrutinized for “assaulting” his wife, the bankable actor lost some of the biggest projects. 

During the three-week court hearing, allegations of severe domestic abuse, drug abuse and extramarital affairs were made against Depp. Following the final verdict, The Sun put out an article with a headline that read: 'Johnny Depp verdict: Actor beat ex-wife Amber Heard 12 TIMES, judge rules as The Sun wins libel case trial'.

Today, December 10, The Hollywood Reporter published an article titled ''He’s Radioactive': Inside Johnny Depp’s Self-Made Implosion’. The opening statement in the story reads, “It wasn't just erratic and violent behavior that wrecked one of the world's most bankable stars. It was his unquenchable thirst for revenge.”

The article details the fall of his stardom in the wake of the shocking allegations. While the story is being perceived differently by Heard and Depp fans, the cover featuring the actor has sparked debate among internet users.

A significant number of his fans have come forward for his defense, saying how he’s the real victim in the situation as Heard “lied” about his treatment of her. Meanwhile, many have slammed the article and the magazine for presenting an extremely opinionated story about Depp. 

One user wrote, “Disappointing article as usual .. Amber is the abuser and he is the victim.. she admitted by herself ... open your eyes or leave Johnny alone.. #JusticeForJohnnydepp #MenToo." While another added, "Gone are the days when journalists had any integrity or objectivity"

Some slammed the magazine for its choice of the cover image and the text placed on it. One agitated user tweeted, "Is this s**t serious? I won't click to see because I'm not a fricking sheep but the cover looks like 'someone' paid you 'people' to make this up!!!!! No one believes this b******t. Printing it for what??? What???? You'll never keep him down. NEVER! You POS!"

Another wrote, "You could have chosen to put Amber Heard's face on the cover but that wouldn't get the attention or the clicks. Do you know why? Because people love Johnny Depp and you know that so stop making bank off his image. You are parasites truly." Adding to the above tweets one of Depp's fan tweeted, "This is how they do all men regarding domestic abuse cases. It’s proven he did nothing and she did everything and he’s still the “monster” smh RT @THR: THR Cover: "He's radioactive" — Inside Johnny Depp's self-made implosion http://thr.cm/pFDnNta."