Johnny Depp has responded to the backlash surrounding his recent ad for the Dior fragrance Sauvage.
The Sherlock Gnomes actor has been the face of the men’s fragrance since 2015, and last month appeared in its new advertising campaign, which heavily featured Native American imagery.
However, the fashion house quickly pulled the clip from their social media channels after it was criticised over its use of the imagery, as well as the fact that the name of the fragrance – Sauvage, the French word for “savage” or “wild” – could be interpreted as a racist slur.
Depp has now had his say on the controversy, insisting that the clip people took offence to was only a “teaser”.
“A teaser obviously is a very concentrated version of images and there were objections to the teaser of the small film. The film has never been seen,” he told The Hollywood Reporter.
“There was never — and how could there be or how would there be — any dishonourable [intent]. “The film was made with a great respect for the indigenous people not just of North America but all over the world.
“It’s a pity that people jumped the gun and made these objections. However, their objections are their objections.”
He added: “I can assure you that no one has any reason to go out to try to exploit. It was a film made out of great respect and with great respect and love for the Native American peoples to bring light to them. They haven’t had the greatest amount of help out of the United States government.
“The idea is as pure as it ever was, so we will come to an agreement so that everyone is happy.”
A Dior representative previously said: “The House of Dior wishes to address the strong reaction to the trailer of the new campaign of the Sauvage fragrance featuring a Native American artist performing a traditional Fancy dance.
“This campaign was inspired by the deep and rich Native American culture which the House of Dior holds in highest regard.
“To ensure accuracy and inclusion the House of Dior works closely with Native American consultants, artists, writers and dancers as well as the Americans for Indian Opportunity.”
They also noted: “The House of Dior has a long-standing commitment against racism or any kind of discrimination and will continue to work with and proudly support organisations which fight against those burdens.”
Dior previously faced calls to drop the actor as their spokesperson around the time he was accused of abusing his ex-wife Amber Heard.
When they formally separated, Heard and Depp issued a joint statement, in which they labelled their marriage “at times volatile, but always bound by love”.
Heard then donated her entire £7 million divorce settlement to charity, giving half to an organisation that works to prevent domestic violence.
