In the often-glamorous world of Hollywood, where the spotlight shines on stars and their blockbuster performances, the darker underbelly of the industry occasionally comes to light. On April 15, 2025, during the filming of the thriller Day Drinker in Madrid, Johnny Depp, a veteran actor known for his roles in Pirates of the Caribbean and his recent directorial project Modi: Three Days on the Wing of Madness, witnessed a shocking incident that would thrust him into the role of advocate rather than performer. What he saw—an elderly Black janitor being verbally abused by a director—prompted Depp to take a stand, exposing a troubling instance of workplace misconduct that has since sparked widespread discussion about racism, ageism, and power dynamics in the film industry.
A Disturbing Scene on Set
The incident occurred on the set of Day Drinker, a film that marks Depp’s return to major Hollywood productions after years of personal and professional challenges, including his highly publicized 2022 defamation trial against ex-wife Amber Heard. Depp, 61, was in Madrid alongside co-star Penélope Cruz, filming a pivotal scene in a historic building repurposed as a studio. The set was bustling with activity—cameras rolling, crew members scurrying about, and the director, a well-known figure in European cinema named François Leclerc (a pseudonym used here to protect ongoing investigations), barking orders with an intensity that bordered on aggression.
Among the crew was James Carter, a 72-year-old Black janitor who had worked in the film industry for over three decades, often taking on cleaning roles to support his family. Carter, originally from Birmingham, Alabama, had moved to Europe in the 1990s, seeking better opportunities, and had since become a familiar face on various film sets, known for his quiet dignity and meticulous work ethic. On this particular day, Carter was cleaning up a spilled coffee near the director’s chair when Leclerc, frustrated by a technical delay, turned his ire on the elderly man.
Witnesses later reported that Leclerc shouted at Carter, using a racial slur and berating him for “being too slow.” “Get out of my sight, you useless [slur]! Can’t you do anything right at your age?” Leclerc allegedly yelled, according to a crew member who spoke anonymously to a Madrid-based news outlet. Carter, visibly shaken, tried to apologize, but Leclerc continued his tirade, mocking Carter’s Southern accent and telling him he “didn’t belong” on a film set. The verbal assault left Carter in tears, retreating to a corner of the studio to compose himself.
Johnny Depp, who had just finished a take, overheard the exchange from a few feet away. Known for his empathy and history of standing up for the underdog, Depp immediately stepped in. He approached Carter, offering a comforting hand on his shoulder, and then turned to confront Leclerc. “You don’t get to talk to anyone like that—especially not someone who’s just doing their job,” Depp said, his voice calm but firm, according to another crew member present. “This man deserves respect, and you owe him an apology.”
A History of Advocacy
Depp’s intervention was not an isolated act of kindness but part of a pattern of advocacy that has defined much of his recent public life. Despite his own controversies—ranging from the 2022 trial against Heard, which exposed allegations of mutual abuse, to earlier incidents of alleged verbal misconduct on the set of Blow in 2001—Depp has consistently shown a willingness to support those facing unfair treatment. In February 2025, he protected Penélope Cruz from harassment at a Madrid gas station, and in April, he reunited a young boy with his lost stuffed animal at Madrid-Barajas Airport, moments that went viral for their sincerity. Just days before the Day Drinker incident, Depp had made headlines for leaving a generous sum of money and a heartfelt note for an exhausted construction worker in Madrid’s Plaza de Oriente.
Depp’s actions on the set of Day Drinker were particularly significant given the context of his own experiences with public scrutiny. Having been labeled a “wife-beater” by a British tabloid in 2018—a claim upheld in a 2020 UK libel case against The Sun—Depp has faced intense criticism and professional setbacks, including his removal from the Fantastic Beasts franchise. Yet, he has also been a vocal advocate for those he believes are unfairly treated, often using his platform to highlight systemic issues. His decision to confront Leclerc was not just about defending Carter but also about challenging the power dynamics that allow such behavior to go unchecked in the film industry.
The Industry’s Dark Underbelly
The abuse Carter faced is not an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern of discrimination in Hollywood and beyond. The film industry, despite its progressive veneer, has long been criticized for its treatment of marginalized workers, particularly those in low-visibility roles like janitorial staff. A 2023 report by the International Labour Organization highlighted that Black and elderly workers in entertainment often face disproportionate harassment and wage disparities, with many reporting verbal abuse from higher-ups. Carter’s experience echoes these findings, underscoring the intersection of racism and ageism that can make older Black workers especially vulnerable.
Leclerc’s outburst also reflects a troubling trend of unchecked power on film sets, where directors often wield significant authority over crew members. While high-profile cases of abuse, such as those involving Harvey Weinstein, have brought attention to sexual misconduct, verbal and racial abuse often go underreported, particularly when the victims are not in the public eye. Carter’s reluctance to speak out initially—he feared losing his job—mirrors the experiences of many workers who feel powerless to challenge those in positions of authority.
A Public Outcry and Industry Response
Depp’s confrontation with Leclerc did not go unnoticed. Several crew members captured the incident on their phones, and within hours, the footage had spread across social media, sparking outrage. The hashtag #JusticeForJames trended globally, with users praising Depp for his courage while condemning Leclerc’s behavior. “Johnny Depp standing up for an elderly Black janitor against a racist director is the kind of allyship we need,” one user wrote on X. Others called for Leclerc to be removed from the project, with some even demanding a broader investigation into his conduct on previous sets.
The backlash prompted a swift response from the Day Drinker production team. The following day, Leclerc issued a public apology, claiming his words were “a moment of frustration” and not reflective of his beliefs. However, the apology was widely criticized as insincere, and under pressure from the cast and crew—including Depp and Cruz—Leclerc was suspended from the project pending an internal investigation. The film’s producers released a statement condemning racism and promising to implement mandatory anti-discrimination training for all staff.
Carter, initially hesitant to speak publicly, eventually shared his story with a local news outlet, expressing gratitude for Depp’s intervention. “I’ve been in this industry a long time, and I’ve heard things like that before, but no one ever stood up for me the way he did,” Carter said. “It made me feel seen, like I mattered.” He also revealed that Depp had personally reached out to him after the incident, offering to cover his legal fees if he chose to pursue action against Leclerc, and even inviting him to a private dinner with the cast to show solidarity.
A Catalyst for Change
The incident has had a ripple effect, prompting broader discussions about workplace culture in the film industry. Advocacy groups have seized the moment to call for stronger protections for crew members, particularly those in low-wage roles. A London-based organization focused on diversity in entertainment launched a campaign called “Respect on Set,” aiming to raise awareness about the treatment of marginalized workers and push for stricter anti-harassment policies.
Depp’s role in exposing Leclerc’s behavior has also added a new layer to his public image. Once a Hollywood heartthrob whose career was nearly derailed by personal scandals, Depp has spent recent years rebuilding his reputation through acts of kindness and advocacy. His actions on the set of Day Drinker—standing up for an elderly Black janitor in the face of blatant racism—have further cemented his status as a compassionate figure willing to use his influence for good.
As of April 25, 2025, the investigation into Leclerc’s conduct is ongoing, with reports suggesting he may face additional repercussions, including being blacklisted from future projects. Carter, meanwhile, has become a symbol of resilience, with his story inspiring others to speak out about their own experiences of abuse in the industry. For Johnny Depp, this moment is another chapter in a career marked by both turbulence and redemption—a reminder that even in the shadows of Hollywood, there are those willing to shine a light on injustice.
