Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Johnny Depp: Paul McCartney reignites rumours he supports the actor with subtle concert reference

Fans believe singer has been subtly signalling his support for the actor while on tour

Annabel Nugent
Wednesday 01 June 2022 06:29 BST
Comments
Paul McCartney performs ‘My Valentine’ in Seattle in front of video of Johnny Depp
Leer en Español

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Paul McCartney has reignited the rumours that he is supporting Johnny Depp in his defamation trial against ex-wife Amber Heard.

The musician and Depp are longtime collaborators and reportedly close friends, with the actor having starred in several of McCartney’s music videos.

McCartney is currently on tour. During a recent performance in Orlando, Florida, he sang his 2012 track “My Valentine”.

While performing the song, the accompanying music video played in the background, which sees Depp playing the guitar and reciting the lyrics in sign language. The video also stars Natalie Portman.

Some fans have interpreted the on-stage moment to be indicative of McCartney’s support for the actor amid his defamation trial on which the jury is now deliberating.

As per TMZ, the crowd cheered when Depp was first shown on the large monitor. McCartney never addressed the clip himself.

The video has been used in McCartney’s concerts for almost a decade. According to Cinema Blend, however, the clip was not used during his last tour, leading people to believe that the choice to use it for this tour may hint at where McCartney’s allegiances lie.

The Independent has contacted McCartney for comment.

The jury in the defamation trial resumed deliberations on Tuesday (31 May) after a three-day weekend.

The trial between Depp and his ex-wife Heard began on 11 April in Fairfax, Virginia.

Depp is suing Heard for $50m (£38.2m). He alleges that Heard implied that he abused her in a 2018 Washington Post op-ed about domestic violence.

Amazon Music logo

Enjoy unlimited access to 100 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music

Sign up now for a 4 month free trial (3 months for non-Prime members)

Sign up
Amazon Music logo

Enjoy unlimited access to 100 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music

Sign up now for a 4 month free trial (3 months for non-Prime members)

Sign up

Heard is countersuing for $100m (£80.9m), accusing Depp of orchestrating a “smear campaign” against her and describing his lawsuit as a continuation of “abuse and harassment”.

As the verdict looms, Depp turned up to perform alongside Jeff Beck in the UK.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in