Cannes Defends Johnny Depp's Role in "Jeanne du Barry" Despite Controversy

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In the midst of criticism surrounding the film "Jeanne du Barry," starring Johnny Depp as French King Louis XV, Cannes Film Festival Director Thierry Fremaux is defending the decision to give the film the prestigious opening slot.

The film, directed by French filmmaker Maiwenn, who also plays the title role, tells the story of Jeanne du Barry, the last royal mistress of King Louis XV, who rose from her working-class background to become the king's mistress before being executed during the French Revolution.

Fremaux on Depp's Participation in the Film

In an interview with Variety, Fremaux stated that the decision to include Depp in the film was not a "controversial choice." He went on to say, "If Johnny Depp had been banned from working, it would have been different, but that’s not the case.

We only know one thing, it’s the justice system, and I think he won the legal case." Depp recently emerged victorious from a highly publicized trial with his ex-wife Amber Heard, in which both parties made allegations of defamation against each other.

Plenel's Complaint against Maiwenn

Despite the complaint made by journalist Edwy Plenel against Maiwenn for an alleged assault in a Parisian restaurant earlier this year, Fremaux assured that this will not affect the film's participation in the festival.

He stated, "This has nothing to do with the festival, especially since we learned of the existence of this complaint after announcing Jeanne du Barry at the opening of Cannes."

Coup de Chance Snubbed by Cannes

In an interview with Le Figaro, Fremaux revealed that he had not selected Woody Allen's new film, a French-language crime romance titled "Coup de Chance," for the festival.

He explained that "we know that if his film is shown at Cannes, the controversy would take over, against his film, against the other films." However, Fremaux stated that the film "was not a candidate," suggesting that it either did not meet the festival's standards or was not ready in time. "Jeanne du Barry" will premiere on Netflix on May 16th.