Sales of a men’s cologne promoted by Johnny Depp have risen since a High Court judge ruled that wife-beating allegations against the actor were ‘substantially true’.
While the ruling saw the 58-year-old star ‘cancelled’ by some in Hollywood, Christian Dior retained Depp as the face of its Sauvage aftershave.
A source close to the actor told The Mail on Sunday: ‘Johnny’s fanbase has stuck by him and remains loyal to him.
‘He has enjoyed a professional relationship with Dior since 2015 and he is currently promoting the new Sauvage Elixir cologne, which is selling out on both sides of the Atlantic.
Warner Brothers dropped the Pirates Of The Caribbean character from Fantastic Beasts after a December High Court ruling, but it remains with Dior
‘Sales have actually increased and Dior has no plans to drop him. In fact, many fans are going out and buying the new cologne to show their support for him.’
Warner Brothers removed the Pirates Of The Caribbean actor from Fantastic Beasts within days after last December’s High Court ruling.
Depp lost his libel suit against The Sun newspaper which had branded him a ‘wife beater’. Amber Heard, Depp’s ex-wife, provided evidence that he assaulted and abused her multiple times.
Depp lost his libel suit against The Sun newspaper which had branded him a ‘wife beater’Depp lost his libel suit against The Sun newspaper which had branded him a ‘wife beater’
Sauvage Elixir ads are appearing in TV and print media. One recent commercial shows Depp strumming Wild Thing on his guitar, while several wolves gather near him.
Dior describes Depp as ‘uncompromising, profound, authentic’, adding: ‘Never has he been so mesmerising, so rock ’n’ roll.’
But domestic abuse campaigners have criticised Dior’s decision to continue to use Depp.
Lawyer Rachel Horman-Brown said: ‘It’s extremely disappointing and irresponsible of Dior, especially when we are looking at a situation that isn’t just an allegation any more.
‘The decision was made that Depp was abusive towards his partner and could be called a wife beater, yet Dior continues to use him. It is almost condoning abuse and violence against women.’
More than 42 million people have viewed the Elixir ad on YouTube since it was launched in September. One fan said: ‘Thank you Dior for keeping Johnny Depp in your Sauvage campaign. He is perfection.’
Christian Dior’s spokesperson declined to comment.