Johnny Depp Apologizes for Rape Comments

Johnny Depp has landed himself in hot water after he compared sitting for a photo shoot to being raped. The Pirates of the Caribbean star made the comment during a recent Vanity Fair magazine article, and has offered a “heartfelt” apology for his remarks.

Being photographed was a “weird” experience, Depp told the November issue of Vanity Fair, adding “Well, you just feel like you’re being raped somehow.” And lo, what became a simple promotional interview for his new film The Rum Diary took on a life of its own.

After an excerpt was released Tuesday, several groups including RAINN, the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network, condemned Depp for his words, stating, “while photos may feel at times intrusive, being photographed in no way compares to rape — a violent crime which affects another American every two minutes.”

The 48-year-old actor followed up immediately with an apologetic statement:

“I am truly sorry for offending anyone in any way. I never meant to. It was a poor choice of words on my part in an effort to explain a feeling. I understand there is no comparison and I am very regretful. In an effort to correct my lack of judgment, please accept my heartfelt apology.”

RAINN contacted the Ministry of Gossip to say it “appreciates and accepts Johnny Depp’s heartfelt apology. We hope to work with him to provide hope to victims of rape and make sure they get the help they deserve.”

Depp often comes across to me as a decent and articulate guy, but seems to have chosen a poor way of expressing himself on this occasion.