Earlier this month, Johnny Depp lost his libel case against the publisher of The Sun. Depp had objected to an article that described him as abusive towards his ex-wife, Amber Heard. The judge who heard the case, Andrew Nicol, ultimately concluded that the paper’s claims were “substantially true.”
For an actor who’d spent the last few years mired in controversy, the decision had a substantial effect on Depp’s career, costing him his Fantastic Beasts role. (Though not his paycheck for the third film in the series; that, he’s apparently keeping.) A new report from The Guardian reveals that at least one company with whom Depp has a high-profile professional relationships is holding steady: fragrance maker Dior.
This is not to say that the Depp/Dior connection has been without controversy over the years, albeit one unrelated to questions of Depp’s behavior. Last year, Dior pulled ads for its Sauvage fragrance after they came under fire for using offensive and racially insensitive imagery.
The Guardian‘s article offers some insight as to why Dior may have retained its relationship to Depp when others have cut ties with him. “Brands hope for short-term memory loss and long-term amnesia,” PR agent Mark Bokowski told The Guardian.
Bokowski also stated his opinion on what Dior should do. “I think it would be sensible for Dior to sever links with Depp,” he said. “Anything can be stopped by pressing a button if they really wanted to.”
The Guardian does note that some fans of Depp have been buying Sauvage bottles as a symbolic gesture of support. Whether that’s been offset by potential customers alienated by Depp’s presence is a question that looms large right now.
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