Dior Stands By Johnny Depp Following Libel Case Loss

Dior has stood by Johnny Depp following his loss in the 'wife beater' libel case earlier this month.

The 57-year-old actor brought the lawsuit against The Sun newspaper and executive editor Dan Wootton following the publication of an article in which Depp was labelled a 'wife beater'.

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Depp was subsequently asked by Warner Bros. to resign from his role as Grindelwald in Fantastic Beasts.

However, he has remained the face of Dior's Sauvage fragrance, which he has advertised since its launch in 2015.

His continued appearance in the ads raised some eyebrows recently when the commercial aired during the break on The Great British Bake Off.

A spokesperson for the Advertising Standards Authority said: "We have received a total of 11 complaints about this ad with the complainants believing that Johnny Depp shouldn't be in the ad due to details concerning his recent court case."

PR agent Mark Bokowski also argued that Dior should drop Depp.

Speaking to The Guardian, he said: "I think it would be sensible for Dior to sever links with Depp. Anything can be stopped by pressing a button if they really wanted to.

"A brand like Dior is not just looking at this territory. The attitude [toward Depp] in the UK will be very different to the one in eastern Europe, for example.

"Brands hope for short-term memory loss and long-term amnesia.

"These fashion companies live in their own bubble, it's like The Devil Wears Prada. They live in a world where they are used to facing controversy."

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Following the outcome of the court case, Depp confirmed that he would appeal the 'surreal judgement'.

He said: "Firstly, I'd like to thank everyone who gifted me their support and loyalty.

"Secondly, I wish to let you know that I have been asked to resign by Warner Bros. from my role as Grindelwald in Fantastic Beasts and I have respected and agreed to that request.

"Finally, I wish to say this. The surreal judgement of the court in the UK will not change my fight to tell the truth and I confirm that I plan to appeal.

"My resolve remains strong and I intend to prove that the allegations against me are false.

"My life and career will not be defined by this moment in time."

LADbible has contacted Dior for comment.

Topics: johnny depp, Celebrity

Jake Massey

Jake Massey is a journalist at LADbible. He graduated from Newcastle University, where he learnt a bit about media and a lot about living without heating. After spending a few years in Australia and New Zealand, Jake secured a role at an obscure radio station in Norwich, inadvertently becoming a real-life Alan Partridge in the process. From there, Jake became a reporter at the Eastern Daily Press. Jake enjoys playing football, listening to music and writing about himself in the third person.

@jakesmassey