Marilyn Manson has claimed Johnny Depp was “crucified” in the media during divorce proceedings where allegations of physical and emotional abuse were made by his estranged wife Amber Heard.
The rock singer described events as “bulls**t” and said he would not agree with any of the claims made against his friend if he were asked to testify in court as a witness.
Heard and Depp reached an out of court $7 million settlement in August after one of the most acrimonious high-profile separations in recent memory.
Heard said the entire settlement would be donated to two charities.
Depp strenuously denied the allegations of abuse and in a statement released after the settlement was reached, Heard and Depp said: “Our relationship was intensely passionate and at times volatile, but always bound by love. Neither party has made false accusations for financial gain. There was never any intent of physical or emotional harm.”
The allegations saw friends of Depp and Heard speak out as videos and photos emerged in the press.
In an interview with the Daily Beast, Manson responded to the furore that began a month before in a staunch defence of his friend Depp. The pair has performed together on stage on numerous occasions during a friendship dating back almost two decades. They met when a 19-year-old Manson was working as in extra on 21 Jump Street.
Manson praised Depp as a great father and promised to stand by him.
“Lily-Rose is my goddaughter and I was there when [his son] Jack was born, so we go back,” said Manson. “Johnny is one of the nicest people that I know—to the extent where it’s almost heartbreaking how kind he is to his friends, and everyone around him. I know that he was completely crucified—unjustly.
“It fills me with joy to see his kids grow up and be so smart, and so hilarious. […] It’s hard to say when you talk about your friends. Of course I think that all of it was bullshit, and I think that he is a great person. I wouldn’t agree with any of it if someone were to put me on the stand and ask me what I know, or what I’ve witnessed.”
