Many felt this was beyond the pale.
Graham Norton is one of the most popular and accomplished television presenters on our screens today, and his BBC One chat show is by far the most revered and star-studded. For many people it is must-see telly – either on Friday nights or later via iPlayer catchup.
But Friday’s episode has been criticised in the strongest terms possible by people who are unhappy with one of the invited guests in particular. The famous sofa was filled with big name thespians from Kenneth Branagh’s widely-anticipated Murder on the Orient Express, and Judi Dench in particular shone.
But in the current climate of more and more victims of abuse coming out against their famed and celebrated abusers, the appearance of Johnny Depp on the show caused significant distress to viewers who felt there were double standards at best, zero consequences at worst, for those accused of abuse.
In 2016, the actor’s ex-wife, actress and model Amber Heard, was granted a restraining order against Depp, as court documents at the time revealed Heard’s claim: “During the entirety of our relationship, Johnny has been verbally and physically abusive to me.”
Depp denies the claims, but many found his appearance on the Graham Norton Show galling, especially as the host had called out Kevin Spacey in his intro. Many found the programme difficult to watch, or boycotted it altogether.
In a period when we're aghast at stories of abuse in Hollywood, why indulge a wife beater like Johnny Depp on the Graham Norton show?
— Gregg (@GreggC_CC) November 4, 2017
Johnny Depp is absolutely vile. #GrahamNorton
— Nick Harvey (@mrnickharvey) November 3, 2017
#GrahamNorton jokes rn #JohnnyDepp still a guest ????? pic.twitter.com/1rpG3r5UDQ
— Abbie (@Le_Wobusier) November 3, 2017
Why have Depp on the show Graham? Especially in this climate. He beat Heather, did you see the bruises? Can't watch the show tonight.
— Black Alert Disco (@blackalertdisco) November 4, 2017
Graham Norton should not have the domestic abuser Amber Heard on his show pic.twitter.com/vYIHXOsxpE
— Doktor Caligari (@DrMCaligari) November 4, 2017
Media/Hollywood say things will change for the better after Weinstein but Johnny Depp was on Graham Norton tonight so I won't hold my breath
— unfortunately, life (@Isabella_rose94) November 4, 2017
Watching Graham Norton and he's opened by talking about all the sleazes that have been called out this week but Johnny Depp is on the sofa..
— rhi ॐ (@vinumxsabbathi) November 4, 2017
Graham Norton making jokes about Kevin Spacey in his monologue but then having Johnny Depp as a guest ???
— Liam O'Donnell-Carey (@LiamODC) November 3, 2017
Why is Jonny Depp on The Graham Norton Show? Hahah remember that time he was abusive to his wife and she filmed it. #TheGrahamNortonShow
— Joerassic Perry (@joep2dpopadip) November 3, 2017