BREAKING NEWS: Johnny Depp Sued for Making Jokes About Assassinating Trump in His Birthday Speech
Los Angeles, CA — June 9, 2025
In a dramatic turn of events, actor Johnny Depp is facing a defamation and incitement lawsuit after making controversial remarks about former President Donald Trump during a birthday speech over the weekend. The remarks, perceived by some as joking about assassinating Trump, were made at a private party celebrating Depp’s 62nd birthday in Malibu. A leaked video of the speech has since gone viral, sparking a political firestorm and legal action.
The lawsuit, filed Monday morning by the conservative legal advocacy group Patriot Justice Initiative, alleges that Depp’s comments constitute “reckless incitement of violence against a public figure” and “intentional infliction of emotional distress.” The suit is seeking $75 million in damages, citing threats received by Trump and his family following the video’s circulation.
“When Was the Last Time an Actor Assassinated a President?”
In the now-infamous video, Depp is seen standing in front of a crowd of A-list guests including actors, musicians, and producers. After thanking attendees for celebrating his birthday, Depp launched into a spontaneous monologue referencing the turbulent political climate. At one point, he said:
“You know, we’ve had some crazy presidents in our time, but this one’s something else. I’m not saying someone should shoot him… but when was the last time an actor assassinated a president?”
The crowd reportedly reacted with mixed laughter and stunned silence, though some guests later described the moment as “dark humor” typical of Depp’s eccentric public persona. However, critics argue the comments went too far—especially given the nation’s heightened political polarization.
Trump Responds: “This Is Not a Joke”
Donald Trump, who has remained an outspoken figure in American politics despite no longer holding office, issued a statement Tuesday morning via his TruthSocial platform:
“Johnny Depp is a washed-up actor who thinks making jokes about killing people makes him relevant. This is NOT a joke. These kinds of comments are dangerous, disgusting, and illegal. We’re taking action.”
His legal team confirmed they are cooperating with the Patriot Justice Initiative in the civil case and are “exploring potential criminal implications.”
Hollywood Reacts
Reactions from Hollywood have been swift and divided. While some celebrities rushed to Depp’s defense, calling the remarks “ill-advised but clearly satirical,” others condemned the actor’s lack of discretion.
Actress and activist Rose McGowan tweeted, “You don’t joke about political violence—ever. We’ve lost too many to that darkness.”
Meanwhile, director Tim Burton, a longtime friend and collaborator of Depp, stated, “Johnny’s humor is often misunderstood. I don’t believe he intended harm, but I can see why some people are upset.”
Legal Experts Weigh In
Legal analysts are split on the viability of the lawsuit. Constitutional law professor Dr. Valerie Chan of UCLA stated:
“While the First Amendment protects satire and even offensive speech, courts have ruled that speech inciting violence—if perceived as a serious call to action—may not be protected. Depp’s legal team will likely argue it was clearly a joke, but the context and public reaction will be critical.”
Depp’s attorneys have yet to make a formal statement, but sources close to the actor say he is “shocked” by the backlash and maintains that his remarks were “taken wildly out of context.”
A History of Controversy
This is not the first time Depp has stirred public outcry with his political commentary. In 2017, he made a similar remark about President Trump at the Glastonbury Festival, for which he later apologized. His legal troubles have also been in the spotlight in recent years due to high-profile defamation battles and personal controversies.
What’s Next?
The civil suit is expected to proceed to preliminary hearings in late June. In the meantime, federal authorities have not announced any criminal investigation, though the Secret Service has confirmed it is “aware of the incident and reviewing all available materials.”
As the story continues to unfold, Depp’s future in both the courtroom and the entertainment world remains uncertain.
