In an era where public figures often face intense scrutiny over their personal lives, Johnny Depp has consistently shown himself to be a steadfast supporter of his children. In 2015, Depp’s daughter, Lily-Rose Depp, made headlines when she joined the Self Evident Project, a campaign celebrating individuals who do not identify as “100 percent straight.” Her participation was a courageous revelation about her sexual orientation, and Depp’s response—publicly praising her openness—highlighted the depth of their father-daughter bond. As of April 28, 2025, with Lily-Rose continuing to shine in her acting career, notably with her recent role in Nosferatu, this moment remains a pivotal chapter in her journey, reflecting both her personal growth and the unwavering support of her father. This article explores the context of Lily-Rose’s revelation, Depp’s heartfelt reaction, and the broader impact on their family and fans.

A Rising Star with a Bold Statement

Lily-Rose Depp, born in 1999 to Johnny Depp and French singer-actress Vanessa Paradis, has grown up in the spotlight. By 2015, at the age of 16, she was already making a name for herself in the entertainment industry, having debuted as a model for Chanel and begun her acting career with a small role in Tusk (2014). That year, she joined the Self Evident Project, a campaign by artist iO Tillett Wright aimed at promoting visibility for the LGBTQ+ community. The project sought to photograph 10,000 people who identified as anything other than “100 percent straight,” highlighting the spectrum of sexual orientation and fostering acceptance.

Lily-Rose’s participation was a subtle yet powerful statement. By joining the project, she indicated that she identified somewhere on this spectrum, a revelation that was brave for a teenager under the intense scrutiny of fame. While she did not label her orientation explicitly at the time, her involvement spoke volumes, especially given the cultural climate of 2015, when discussions about sexual orientation were becoming more mainstream but still faced significant pushback in some circles. Her decision to participate was a step toward authenticity, aligning with a generation increasingly vocal about identity and acceptance.

The Self Evident Project, which later evolved into the We Are You campaign, aimed to normalize diverse sexual orientations by showcasing the humanity of its participants. Lily-Rose’s involvement caught the attention of media outlets, and fans quickly took to social platforms to express their admiration for her courage. “It’s amazing to see someone so young be so open,” one user wrote on X, reflecting a sentiment shared by many. For Lily-Rose, the project was a way to contribute to a larger conversation, even as she navigated the pressures of growing up in the public eye as the daughter of two high-profile celebrities.

Johnny Depp’s Proud Response

Johnny Depp, who has often kept his personal life private despite his own high-profile controversies, broke his usual silence to publicly support his daughter. In a 2015 interview with TIME, Depp expressed his pride in Lily-Rose’s decision to join the Self Evident Project. “She’s got a good head on her shoulders, and I’m really proud of her for being so open,” he said, emphasizing his admiration for her bravery. Depp’s comments were a rare glimpse into his role as a father, revealing a supportive and loving side that contrasted with the often-turbulent narrative surrounding his personal life at the time.

In 2015, Depp was in the early stages of his marriage to Amber Heard, a relationship that would later become a focal point of intense media scrutiny due to their 2016 divorce and subsequent legal battles. Yet, amidst this personal upheaval, Depp’s focus on his daughter’s milestone underscored his commitment to his children. He and Paradis, who split in 2012 after 14 years together, had always prioritized shielding their children—Lily-Rose and her younger brother, Jack—from the spotlight. “My parents protected my brother and me from it as much as possible,” Lily-Rose told Elle in 2022, reflecting on her childhood. Depp’s public support for her sexual orientation revelation was a testament to this protective yet empowering approach, allowing Lily-Rose the freedom to express herself while knowing she had her father’s backing.

Depp’s praise wasn’t just a soundbite—it reflected his broader philosophy as a parent. In a 2014 interview with The Philippine Daily Inquirer, he spoke about his pride in his children’s talents, noting Jack’s artistic skills and Lily-Rose’s budding career, but also emphasizing their right to choose their own paths. “Aside from school plays and things, [Jack] hasn’t shown any desire to become an actor,” Depp said, showing his respect for his children’s autonomy. This hands-off yet supportive approach likely gave Lily-Rose the confidence to make such a public statement about her identity, knowing her father would stand by her.

A Family United: The Depp-Paradis Dynamic

Lily-Rose’s revelation also highlighted the strength of the Depp-Paradis family dynamic, even after the couple’s separation. Vanessa Paradis, a celebrated French artist in her own right, has been a significant influence on Lily-Rose, particularly in how she navigates fame and identity. In a 2019 interview with The Face, Lily-Rose praised her mother as a “trailblazer,” noting how Paradis faced criticism for embracing her sexuality in the 1990s, a time when such openness was less accepted. “People were truly horrible to her. It was a different time,” Lily-Rose said, adding, “My mum is a trailblazer, truly.” This legacy of resilience likely emboldened Lily-Rose to participate in the Self Evident Project, knowing she had a role model in her mother who had faced similar scrutiny.

Paradis and Depp’s co-parenting relationship has remained strong, with both parents prioritizing their children’s well-being. In a 2025 interview with Vanity Fair, Lily-Rose spoke about the efforts her parents made to give her and Jack a “normal” childhood despite their fame. “My parents protected my brother and me from it as much as possible,” she said, echoing a sentiment she’s shared over the years. This protective environment allowed Lily-Rose to explore her identity on her own terms, culminating in her 2015 revelation. Depp’s support, paired with Paradis’s influence, created a foundation where Lily-Rose felt safe to be herself, a dynamic that fans have come to admire.

The revelation also came at a time when Depp was facing his own challenges. In 2016, a year after Lily-Rose’s participation in the Self Evident Project, Amber Heard accused Depp of abuse, allegations that led to a highly publicized legal battle. Lily-Rose came to her father’s defense, posting on Instagram (a post she later deleted) that “My dad is the sweetest, most loving person I know, he’s been nothing but a wonderful father to my little brother and I, and everyone who knows him would say the same.” This defense underscored the closeness of their relationship, showing that even amidst personal turmoil, Lily-Rose and Depp remained a united front.

Lily-Rose’s Journey: From Revelation to Relationship

Lily-Rose’s 2015 revelation was a precursor to her continued openness about her sexual orientation. In 2023, she began dating rapper 070 Shake (real name Danielle Balbuena, also known as Dani Moon), a relationship she soft-launched on Instagram during Paris Fashion Week. The couple made their red-carpet debut at the Governors Awards in November 2024, where Lily-Rose spoke warmly about supporting 070 Shake’s album Petrichor. “I feel like there’s not enough time in these short interviews to really sum it up,” she told Newsweek, adding, “But I’m incredibly proud.” Sources confirmed that Depp shared the news of her relationship with her father early on, with a Daily Mail report noting that “Johnny was one of the first people to know about Danielle because Lily and him share everything with each other.”

This openness reflects the trust and support that has defined Depp and Lily-Rose’s relationship since her 2015 revelation. Over the years, Lily-Rose has continued to navigate her identity publicly, balancing her career with her personal life. Her role in Nosferatu (2024), which earned critical acclaim—The Hollywood Reporter called her performance a “revelation”—showcased her ability to channel complex emotions, perhaps informed by her own journey of self-discovery. In a 2024 interview with Vanity Fair, she addressed the nepotism debate surrounding her career, saying, “I love acting. If people still want to talk s— or see me in a certain way, then that’s not my problem,” a statement that echoes the confidence she displayed in 2015.

A Broader Impact: Inspiring Fans and Shifting Perspectives

Lily-Rose’s revelation and Depp’s support had a ripple effect, inspiring fans and contributing to broader conversations about sexual orientation in Hollywood. In 2015, the visibility of LGBTQ+ identities was gaining momentum, with campaigns like the Self Evident Project playing a key role in normalizing diverse orientations. Lily-Rose’s participation, as a high-profile teenager, sent a powerful message to young fans, showing that it’s possible to embrace one’s identity even under public scrutiny. “She’s a role model for kids figuring out who they are,” one fan wrote on social media at the time, a sentiment that has only grown as Lily-Rose has continued to live authentically.

Depp’s response also set an example for parents, particularly those in the public eye. His public pride in Lily-Rose’s openness contrasted with the often-conservative attitudes still prevalent in some entertainment circles, offering a model of unconditional support. This was especially meaningful given Depp’s own struggles with public perception, particularly during his legal battles with Heard. By standing by his daughter, Depp showed that his role as a father took precedence over any external criticism, a stance that resonated deeply with fans who value family above all.

A Lasting Bond: Father and Daughter in 2025

As of April 28, 2025, Johnny Depp and Lily-Rose Depp remain as close as ever. Depp, now 61, is working on his upcoming thriller Day Drinker with Penélope Cruz, while Lily-Rose, 25, continues to make waves in Hollywood with her performance in Nosferatu and her upcoming projects. Their bond, forged through years of navigating fame, personal challenges, and moments of vulnerability like Lily-Rose’s 2015 revelation, is a testament to the strength of their relationship. “I am blessed to be their daughter and watch them go about their careers,” Lily-Rose told Daily Mail Online in January 2025, reflecting on both Depp and Paradis.

The story of Johnny Depp supporting Lily-Rose as she made her brave revelation about her sexual orientation is more than just a celebrity anecdote—it’s a powerful example of familial love and acceptance. In a world where young people often face pressure to conform, Lily-Rose’s courage, backed by her father’s unwavering support, has inspired countless fans to embrace their true selves. For Depp, a man whose life has been marked by both triumphs and controversies, this moment underscores his greatest role: that of a devoted father to a daughter who continues to shine on her own terms.