As of 09:57 AM +07 on Thursday, July 3, 2025, Vanessa Paradis has once again drawn attention with her heartfelt reflections on her former partner, Johnny Depp, praising his qualities as a husband and father. The French singer and actress, now 52, recently shared rare insights with the media, shedding light on Depp’s supportive role during her pregnancies and the birth of their two children, as well as his exceptional parenting skills. Their 14-year relationship, which ended amicably in 2012, produced daughter Lily-Rose Depp, 26, and son Jack Depp, 23, and Paradis’s comments offer a warm counterpoint to the actor’s tumultuous public narrative. This glimpse into their private life has reignited interest in their family dynamics, showcasing a side of Depp rarely highlighted amid his legal and personal controversies.
A Relationship Built on Mutual Support
Vanessa Paradis and Johnny Depp’s romance began in 1998, a serendipitous meeting that blossomed into a partnership rooted in artistic synergy and personal devotion. Paradis, already a star in France with hits like “Joe le Taxi,” and Depp, rising as a Hollywood maverick with Edward Scissorhands, found common ground in their creative pursuits and desire for privacy. They chose to raise their family away from the spotlight, settling on an estate near St. Tropez, which Depp purchased in 2001. This retreat became the backdrop for their life together, where Paradis now says Depp shone as a partner and parent.
In recent interviews, Paradis has recalled Depp’s attentiveness during her pregnancies with Lily-Rose, born in 1999, and Jack, born in 2002. She described him as a constant presence, offering emotional and practical support as she navigated the challenges of motherhood. “He was there every step of the way,” she told a French outlet, highlighting his efforts to ensure her comfort during late-night cravings and doctor’s appointments. This portrayal contrasts with the often sensationalized image of Depp, painting him as a dedicated partner who prioritized family over fame during those formative years.
A Hands-On Father During Childbirth and Beyond
Paradis’s accounts extend to the childbirth process, where she credits Depp with an almost unparalleled involvement. She recounted how he remained by her side during both deliveries, a rarity for a high-profile figure of his stature in the early 2000s. “He held my hand, talked me through the pain, and was the first to hold our babies,” she shared, her voice tinged with nostalgia. This hands-on approach continued post-birth, with Depp taking an active role in nighttime feedings and diaper changes, a commitment Paradis says left little room for criticism.
The couple’s decision to raise their children bilingually—fluent in both French and English—reflected their collaborative parenting style. Paradis explained to Weekend Knack in 2007 that France offered anonymity, a choice she “secretly” made for their kids’ well-being, but Depp’s enthusiasm for this lifestyle was evident. He embraced the role of “Papa,” as he later reflected in a 2025 Sunday Times interview, reminiscing about their St. Tropez home as the only place that ever felt like home. Paradis echoes this sentiment, noting Depp’s joy in teaching Lily-Rose and Jack to ride bikes and explore the countryside, fostering a bond that transcended cultural boundaries.
Parenting Skills Beyond Reproach
As their children grew, Paradis and Depp’s parenting approach stood out for its balance of discipline and freedom. Paradis has praised Depp’s ability to instill values while encouraging creativity, a trait she attributes to his own unconventional upbringing. She highlighted his patience during Lily-Rose’s early acting aspirations and Jack’s quieter pursuits, ensuring both felt supported without pressure to follow in their parents’ footsteps. This nurturing environment, she argues, shaped Lily-Rose’s successful transition into acting—seen in The Idol and Nosferatu—and Jack’s more private path.
Depp’s recent comments in 2025 align with Paradis’s perspective. In the same Sunday Times piece, he lamented the “empty-nest syndrome” as his children matured, expressing pride in their independence. “My kids growing up in the south of France in their youth? I cannot tell you how much I loved being Papa,” he said, a sentiment Paradis reinforces. She describes him as a father who prioritized their happiness over his career, often forgoing Hollywood commitments to attend school events or family vacations. This dedication, she insists, leaves “nothing to criticize,” a stark contrast to the tabloid narratives that dominated his later years.
A Counter-Narrative to Public Scrutiny
Paradis’s reflections come at a time when Depp’s public image has been heavily scrutinized, particularly following his 2022 defamation trial with Amber Heard. The trial, which ended with a mixed verdict, painted a contentious picture of his personal life, overshadowing his earlier family years. Paradis, alongside other ex-partners like Lori Anne Allison, has consistently defended Depp, with her 2020 statement during the trial calling him “kind, attentive, generous, and non-violent.” Her latest comments amplify this stance, focusing on his role as a husband and father rather than the controversies.
This narrative challenges the establishment portrayal of Depp as a volatile figure. While legal documents and media coverage from the Heard case highlighted allegations of substance abuse and erratic behavior, Paradis’s account suggests a different reality during their relationship. She attributes his struggles to external pressures post-2012, not inherent flaws, and emphasizes the stability he provided during their family life. This perspective, while subjective, resonates with fans who see her words as a corrective lens, though skeptics caution it may reflect loyalty rather than objectivity.
Cultural Impact and Fan Reactions
The media coverage of Paradis’s remarks has sparked a wave of nostalgia and support online. Posts found on social platforms celebrate Depp’s fatherhood, with fans sharing memories of Lily-Rose and Jack’s childhood photos, often contrasting them with his current reclusive lifestyle in London. Some view her comments as a bid to rehabilitate his image, while others see it as a genuine tribute to their shared past. The story’s timing, amid Depp’s 2025 reflections on raising his kids, has fueled discussions about the private lives of public figures, echoing the viral joy over Jodie Foster’s 2021 Golden Globes kiss with her wife.
Paradis’s choice to speak out also aligns with a broader cultural shift toward re-evaluating celebrity narratives. Her emphasis on Depp’s support during pregnancy and parenting mirrors growing interest in paternal involvement, a topic gaining traction as societal roles evolve. This has prompted debates about the balance between personal testimony and public evidence, with some urging caution given the lack of corroborating accounts from their children.
The St. Tropez Haven and Its Legacy
The St. Tropez estate, where Paradis and Depp raised their family, emerges as a central figure in her narrative. Described as a sanctuary from Hollywood’s glare, it allowed them to cultivate a normalcy rare for celebrities. Paradis has credited this environment with shaping her children’s grounded nature, a legacy she ties directly to Depp’s influence. Even after their 2012 split, their co-parenting arrangement—conducted with mutual respect—maintained this stability, a feat Paradis attributes to Depp’s commitment.
Depp’s 2025 admission of missing those days underscores this legacy. His portrait of a young Lily-Rose, left unfinished, symbolizes the passage of time he now mourns. Paradis’s parallel reflections suggest a shared longing for that era, reinforcing their narrative of a family built on love and care, despite its end.
Looking Ahead
As of mid-2025, Paradis’s comments have rekindled interest in Depp’s pre-controversy life, with fans speculating about future projects—perhaps a memoir or film—that might explore this period. Her portrayal of him as an exemplary husband and father stands as a counterweight to his legal battles, though it raises questions about the full picture. With Lily-Rose thriving in acting and Jack carving his own path, the impact of their upbringing remains evident, a testament to the parenting Paradis so adamantly defends.
Vanessa Paradis’s latest revelations offer a window into a cherished past, painting Johnny Depp as a figure of devotion during their family’s formative years. Whether this narrative fully reshapes public perception or remains a personal tribute, it underscores the complexity of celebrity lives, leaving the world to ponder the man behind the myth.
