Johnny Depp has issued a "heartfelt apology" for comparing the act of posing for photo-shoot, with rape. The controversial comments, published in Vanity Fair magazine, had angered rape and sexual abuse organisations, one of which has offered to "educate" the Hollywood star about real life experiences, reports Fox News.
The Pirates of the Caribbean actor attempted to describe the invasiveness of posing for photographs but opted for a questionable metaphor, saying, "You just feel like you're being raped somehow. Raped. The whole thing", before adding, "Whenever you have a photo shoot or something like that, it's like - you just feel dumb". After an outcry on Twitter and other social networking sites, the actor issued an apology on Wednesday (5th October 2011), saying, "I am truly sorry for offending anyone in any way. I never meant to. It was a poor choice of words on my part in an effort to explain a feeling". Depp's remarks were slammed by the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (Rainn), whose spokesperson Katherine Hull said, "While photos may feel at times intrusive, being photographed in no way compares to rape - a violent crime which affects another American every two minutes.Rainn welcomes the opportunity to speak with Mr. Depp and educate him about the real life experiences faced by survivors every day, and ways that he can work with Rainn to help". Depp acknowledged Rainn's criticism in his statement, saying, "I understand there is no comparison and I am very regretful. In an effort to correct my lack of judgment, please accept my heartfelt apology".
The actor is currently shooting Tim Burton's forthcoming gothic horror movie 'Dark Shadows', in which he plays vampire Barnabas Collins.