During my recent commute to work, I couldn’t help but notice Johnny Depp’s face prominently featured on three bus stop adverts. The sight was so striking that I took a photo of it, finding it quite unsettling for London’s usual standards.
Since then, I’ve noticed Depp’s face everywhere, primarily as the face of Dior’s Sauvage perfume since 2015. While perfume ads typically sell a mood or fantasy, I find it hard to associate Depp with anything aspirational, especially considering his controversial past remarks and actions.
This isn’t about canceling Depp; it’s about questioning why Dior continues to promote him as a sex symbol despite the criticisms surrounding him. The issue extends beyond Depp; it’s about the message these ads send to consumers.
For those unfamiliar with the controversies, Depp has been involved in high-profile legal battles with his ex-wife, Amber Heard, with allegations of domestic abuse and defamation on both sides. Despite these troubling events, Depp’s association with Dior remains strong, even leading to increased sales and marketability for the brand.
The ongoing partnership between Depp and Dior, despite public outcry and legal disputes, raises questions about the values promoted in advertising and popular culture. In today’s world, glamorizing a certain kind of masculinity, especially in light of troubling behaviors, should be reconsidered.
Ultimately, the continuous visibility of Depp’s Dior advertisements in London and elsewhere begs the question: Should brands like Dior be endorsing individuals whose actions contradict the values they claim to represent?
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