Title: Actress Emily Hampshire Apologizes for Controversial Halloween Costume Choice
In a now-deleted social media post, actress Emily Hampshire and a friend ignited controversy by dressing up as Amber Heard and Johnny Depp for Halloween. The pair imitated the high-profile couple, with Emily donning fake tattoos and a suit reminiscent of Johnny Depp’s court appearance in 2022. The move garnered considerable attention but also backlash, leading Emily to remove the post and issue an apology.
Emily Hampshire is expressing regret over her Halloween costume this year.
The “Schitt’s Creek” star took to Instagram Wednesday to apologize for participating in dressing up as feuding exes Johnny Depp and Amber Heard. pic.twitter.com/FA8qPjr5Wj
— Abayomi Oyeleye (@abayomi75) November 2, 2023
The “Schitt’s Creek” star took to social media to address her actions, acknowledging the insensitivity and thoughtlessness of her Halloween costume. She expressed deep regret for trivializing the serious issue of domestic abuse and making light of it.
“I want to address what is one of the most thoughtless, insensitive, and ignorant things I’ve ever done. For Halloween, I stupidly thought it would be funny to dress as Johnny Depp and Amber Heard. I am deeply sorry and ashamed for putting something that awful out into the universe,” Emily wrote.
She emphasized the gravity of domestic abuse, stating, “Domestic abuse is never, ever funny. These are real issues with real people, and I REALLY regret my actions. In the future, I will do better. I’m so sorry.”
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Notably, Amber Heard and Johnny Depp had accused each other of domestic abuse during a high-profile defamation trial, which Amber lost. Johnny Depp had filed a $50 million lawsuit against Heard, alleging defamation related to a 2018 Washington Post op-ed about sexual violence. Following the trial’s conclusion, Amber relocated to Madrid, Spain.
The public’s response to Emily’s apology was divided, with some supporting her and others criticizing her for mocking Amber and Johnny.
One Instagram user commented, “I don’t think your intention was to make fun of domestic abuse…I think the intention was to make fun of the spectacle the trial became. I thought it was funny.”
Another user had a different perspective, stating, “Nope. You’re sorry due to the backlash. YOU posted it. YOU dressed up. YOU used props. YOU posed for multiple pictures. I cannot believe that you’re now sorry for any other reason only people are upset with you. If no one reacted, you wouldn’t think you did anything wrong.”
A third user expressed strong disapproval, saying, “WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?!? The entire fact you thought this duo costume out and believed it was funny…is disgusting. I love your characters. But damn, girl. I think you just canceled yourself and are now in the same spot as Amber.”
A fourth user suggested that Emily should take further action in support of domestic abuse organizations, stating, “You should donate/promote any of the domestic abuse organizations that have backed up Amber Heard as part of your apology.”
The incident underscores the importance of sensitivity and awareness when it comes to serious social issues, even in the context of Halloween costumes and entertainment.
