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The Johnny Depp/Amber Heard defamation suit has been all over the headlines in recent weeks. The Pirates of the Caribbean star is suing his ex-wife for $50 million following her previous allegations against him for domestic abuse.
The case has essentially become a public spectacle, with fans obsessed with every detail of the event as it unfolds. Depp himself appears to be playing his part in adding fuel to the fire, with quips and comebacks worthy of a place on the big screen.
One of the issues that has unsurprisingly arisen in the case is the actor's history of drug and alcohol use. Heard's legal team have been pushing this line to argue their side of the case, that Depp was in fact often out of control and therefore posed a threat to her.
It was in this context that the name of eccentric and controversial rock star Marilyn Manson made its way to the courtroom. Manson is a long-time friend of Depp, and has been known to publicly side with him in his feud with his former wife.
Depp explained to the court how he once gave a pill to Manson for quite a hilarious reason.
Johnny Depp Says He Gave A Pill To Marilyn Manson
Johnny Depp was being put under the cosh by Amber Heard's lawyer Ben Rottenborn when he lit up the courtroom with his humor. "One of your good friends that you've taken drugs with before is Marilyn Manson, right?" Rottenborn asked.
"Yes, we've drunk together, [and] we have had cocaine together maybe a couple of times," Depp responded, but Rottenborn wanted to be even more specific: "Pills, right? With Marilyn Manson?"
Depp paused for a moment to contemplate his answer, before then hitting back with the response that left some in the courtroom holding back their laughter. "Um, I once gave Marilyn Manson a pill so that he would stop talking so much," he said.
Rottenborn himself could be heard giggling from the quip, and even told Depp that he 'gets it.' It was a moment that brought comic relief to an otherwise somber event, but also amused fans who have been following the proceedings.
'Depp still humorous despite everything that happen[s] to him. Love this man,' one fan wrote in the comment section of a YouTube video of the exchange.
What Is Johnny Depp's Relationship To Marilyn Manson?
Johnny Depp is best known for his storied career as a movie star, but he is also in fact a musician and songwriter. On different occasions, he has been seeing jamming along on stage with Marilyn Manson, mostly as a guitarist.
Among others, Depp has actually collaborated musically with Shane MacGowan, Iggy Pop, Oasis and Aerosmith. For a short while in the early '90s, he was in fact part of an alternative rock band called P, alongside Gibby Haynes, bassist Flea, and Steve Jones, the guitarist from Sex Pistols.
Depp famously performed with Manson at the 2012 Golden Gods Awards by Metal Hammer magazine. In studio, the Kentucky-born artist has also played guitar on a number of his movie soundtracks, including Chocolat and Once Upon a Time in Mexico.
Depp and Manson have been friends for a very long time, and even have matching tattoos on their wrists and their backs. Intriguingly, they have never shared the reasons for this with anyone but themselves.
Manson is also godfather to Depp's only daughter, Lily-Rose.
Abuse Allegations Against Marilyn Manson
While Johnny Depp appears to have overcome the allegations that he was abusive towards Amber Heard, his friend is mired down in strong accusations against him. Marilyn Manson was engaged for a few months in 2010, to actress Evan Rachel Wood.
They broke off their engagement - and relationship altogether - at some point later that year. The story of their relationship had first surfaced in 2007, when Wood was only 19 and Manson was 38.
For a long time, the Westworld star stayed silent about the alleged abuse she suffered at the hands of Manson, until she eventually spoke up about it in early 2021. She posted a statement on her Instagram page, which garnered her a lot of public support.
'The name of my abuser is Brian Warner, also known to the world as Marilyn Manson,' the statement read. 'He started grooming me when I was a teenager and horrifically abused me for years.'
'I was brainwashed and manipulated into submission,' Wood continued. 'I am here to expose this dangerous man and call out the many industries that have enabled him, before he ruins any more lives.'
