Johnny Depp stirred controversy during the 2017 Glastonbury Festival when he suggested the assassination of then-President Donald Trump.

The actor made these remarks while introducing a screening of his 2004 movie, The Libertine, engaging with the audience about the notion of an actor assassinating a president, but leading to immediate backlash from political figures and an investigation by the U.S. Secret Service, as the Inqusitr reports.

Depp engaged the audience by referencing historical incidents involving actors and asked, "When was the last time an actor assassinated a President?" He quickly clarified, stating he was not an actor as he lies for a living, but provocatively added, "Maybe it's time."

Understanding the gravity of his words, Depp’s comment was met with mixture of laughter and shock from the festival attendees. However, the response from the political arena and the general public was far less amused.

Response from Political Figures and the Secret Service

Ronna Romney McDaniel, then the chairwoman of the Republican National Committee, expressed her disdain quickly after the incident, criticizing the tolerance for such statements among celebrities. She took to Twitter to vent her frustrations, condemning Depp's words as "disgusting."

The White House also responded, lamenting that Depp did not emulate President Trump's condemnation of all forms of violence. Their official statement hoped for a collective denouncement from Depp’s colleagues against such violent rhetoric, regardless of political affiliation.

The U.S. Secret Service, aware of Depp's comment, conducted an investigation. Their policy prevented them from discussing specific protective measures, but they reassured the public of their commitment to their protective responsibilities.

Depp’s Apology and Subsequent Reactions

Following the outcry, Depp issued an apology for his remarks, which he admitted were in poor taste and not intended to be harmful. He acknowledged the insensitivity of the joke and stressed that it was not meant to be malicious.

Despite the apology, the incident had already ignited a broad spectrum of reactions. Supporters of Trump and members of the Republican party displayed significant dismay and called for broader condemnation, whereas some fans and anti-Trump viewers saw Depp’s comment as a bold, albeit controversial, statement against the President.

Interestingly, Depp had previously depicted Donald Trump in a satirical manner in Donald Trump's The Art of the Deal: The Movie in 2016. He described his approach to the role as peeling back the facade to reveal Trump’s characteristics, which he likened to a "brat."

Public and Media's Engagement with Depp’s Artistic Expressions

This was not the first time Depp had engaged in politically charged commentary through his work. His portrayal of Trump in the 2016 satire received mixed reviews, with fans lauding his ability to mimic and criticize Trump humorously.

The juxtaposition of his 2016 portrayal and his 2017 Glastonbury comments paints a complex picture of Depp's interaction with political figures. While some appreciate his candidness and artistic critique, others see it as a step too far, especially in the tense political climate of 2017.

Trump, known for his active social media presence, did not comment directly on Depp's Glastonbury remarks. This absence of direct engagement from the then-president might have influenced the intensity and lifespan of the news cycle surrounding the incident.

Reflection on Freedom of Speech and Artistic License

The incident at Glastonbury raised questions about the boundaries of artistic expression and freedom of speech, especially when intersecting with political criticism.

As society still grapples with these issues, the reactions to Depp’s comments serve as a reminder of the varied interpretations of what is considered acceptable in public discourse.

In conclusion, Johnny Depp's controversial joke about then-President Trump at the 2017 Glastonbury Festival not only led to an investigation by the U.S. Secret Service but also sparked a significant backlash from various political figures and the public.

His subsequent apology highlighted the complex interplay between celebrity influence, political commentary, and public sensitivity.

The episode remains a notable example of the impact of celebrity statements in the political sphere.