Johnny Depp fans are not happy with Warner Bros. for allowing a joke to be broadcast on an episode of ‘Animaniacs’ calling the actor a ‘Liar.’
The ‘Pirates Of The Caribbean’ star and his ex-wife Amber Heard have been legally battling over alleged domestic violence in their marriage, and the cartoon appears to be making fun of the current situation. Even with the violent allegations, in this case, it didn’t stop Warner Bros. from leaving in an Easter egg in the episode which takes a shot at Depp.
Take A Look…
Related to what you're reading:
During the episode, a movie poster can bee seen in the background of the scene featuring a picture of Johnny Depp holding a pair of scissors, with the title ‘Johnny 2: Telling Lies.’
Of course, Johnny Depp fans are assuming the WB is calling the actor a “liar” and somehow it may be a reflection of his denial of any domestic violence allegations. As you know, the ‘Animaniacs’ dig comes on the heels of Depp resigning from his role as Gellert Grindelwald in the Warner Bros. sequel Fantastic Beasts 3. Many of his fans believe he was treated unfairly by this situation too.
See Johnny Depp Fans Reaction!
“Warner Brothers: this is a sick thing to do to an abuse survivor. Listen to the tapes – Johnny Depp has been put through psychological torture and physical abuse. I’m sorry that I don’t find this funny, but it’s no laughing matter,” one fan wrote.
Interestingly, a fan pointed out the episode was created in 2018 — before Depp had a major drawback in his case against Amber Heard, but thinks they should have edited it out.
“Some defend this because the reboot was written in 2018 and was capitalizing on the Johnny Johnny Yes Papa meme, but considering Depp was a polarising topic for the entire year plus new info even if the above was true, they should have just edited it out.” The person included the hashtag, #BoycottWarnerBrothers.
There’s More…
“That Animaniacs Johnny Depp dig is shocking,” a fan tweeted after the cartoon debuted on Hulu. Adding, “World’s got a long way to go in recognizing victims of abuse outside of stereotypes. Whoever came up with that and also went through with it should be ashamed.”
Warner Bros. has not responded to the backlash over the apparent Depp joke, but a Twitter account for the Animaniacs podcast, The Animanicast, claims the joke is merely referencing the nursery rhyme “Johny Johny Yes Papa,” which became a popular Meme in 2018.
A change.org petition has started by fans calling for a boycott of Warner Bros. over the joke, saying, “This is a cartoon for young audiences, basically teaching kids that it’s ok to bully and mock a male victim of domestic violence and Warner Bros. is clearly sending the wrong message to the public with this.”