Johnny Depp, the enigmatic Hollywood star known for his transformative roles and unapologetic individuality, has once again found himself at the center of a media storm. This time, the controversy erupted at a star-studded gala in Paris in late May 2025, where Depp’s choice to wear a cross necklace sparked mockery from some attendees and online critics. But the narrative took a dramatic turn when a billionaire defender stepped in, not only silencing the detractors but also changing the conversation around Depp in a way that has left the world inspired.

A Gala Night in Paris

The event in question was the annual Lumière de Paris Gala, a prestigious charity event held on May 28, 2025, to raise funds for children’s education in underprivileged communities. Johnny Depp, now 61, attended the gala as part of his ongoing European tour for his art exhibition, A Bunch of Stuff, which had just opened to critical acclaim in Paris. Depp, who has been making a significant Hollywood comeback with his latest film Day Drinker, arrived at the event dressed in a tailored black suit, his silver hair—a new look for his role in the thriller—styled neatly, giving him a distinguished “silver fox” vibe that had fans buzzing earlier in the year.

What caught the attention of attendees, however, was the large silver cross necklace hanging prominently over his shirt. The piece, a vintage item Depp had reportedly acquired during his travels, was a bold statement, reflecting his long-standing love for meaningful jewelry. Depp has often been seen wearing layered necklaces, rings, and bracelets, many of which hold personal significance, a trait that dates back to his relationships with figures like Kate Moss, who once recounted how Depp gifted her a diamond necklace in a memorable way during their romance in the 1990s.

But not everyone at the gala appreciated Depp’s sartorial choice. A group of younger influencers and fashion critics in attendance began whispering among themselves, with some audibly mocking Depp’s accessory. “Who does he think he is, a medieval knight?” one influencer was overheard saying, while another posted a snarky comment on Instagram: “Johnny Depp showing up with a cross like he’s auditioning for The Da Vinci Code. 🙄 #FashionFail.” The comments quickly spread online, with X users piling on, some calling the necklace “outdated” and “tacky,” while others questioned whether Depp was trying to make a religious statement at a secular event.

Facing the Mockery with Grace

Depp, who has faced his share of public criticism over the years—from his legal battles with ex-wife Amber Heard to scrutiny over his eclectic style—remained unfazed by the mockery. He mingled with guests, including French actress Marion Cotillard, with whom he had posed at the Met Gala years earlier, and spent much of the evening discussing his art exhibition and the charity’s mission. “Johnny didn’t even blink at the comments,” a fellow attendee later told Vogue France. “He was more focused on the kids the gala was supporting than on what some influencers thought of his necklace.”

But the online backlash grew louder as the night progressed, with memes and critical posts racking up thousands of likes. Some accused Depp of being out of touch, while others speculated that the cross was a publicity stunt to distract from his controversial past. The narrative seemed to be spiraling—until an unexpected defender stepped into the fray, turning the entire conversation on its head.

The Billionaire Defender: Elon Musk Steps In

The defender was none other than Elon Musk, the billionaire tech mogul and CEO of Tesla and X, who has a complicated history with Depp due to Musk’s past relationship with Amber Heard. Musk, who was also in attendance at the gala to support the charity, witnessed the mockery firsthand and decided to take action. Known for his outspoken nature and massive influence, Musk took to X—his own platform—to address the situation in a series of posts that quickly went viral.

“Johnny Depp wearing a cross at a gala, and people are mocking him for it? Let’s get this straight—he’s an artist who’s been through hell and back, and he’s here supporting kids who need it most,” Musk wrote. “That cross? It’s a symbol of his journey, his faith in second chances. If you’re tearing him down for that, you’re the one who’s out of touch. #RespectJohnny.”

Musk’s posts didn’t stop there. He shared a photo of himself with Depp at the gala, both smiling and raising glasses of champagne, with the caption: “Here’s to real ones who don’t bow to the mob. Johnny, you’ve got my respect.” The billionaire then announced that he would match all donations raised at the gala dollar-for-dollar, up to $10 million, in Depp’s honor, stating, “Let’s see if the haters can match this energy for a good cause.”

A Turning Point in the Narrative

Musk’s intervention changed everything. His posts garnered millions of views within hours, and the hashtag #RespectJohnny began trending worldwide. Fans of Depp flooded social media with messages of support, sharing stories of how his resilience and authenticity had inspired them over the years. Many pointed out that Depp’s jewelry choices have always been deeply personal, reflecting his life experiences and beliefs. The cross, it turned out, was a piece he had worn since the early 2000s, a gift from a close friend during a difficult period in his life, symbolizing hope and redemption—a fitting emblem for a man who has rebuilt his career after years of public scrutiny.

The fashion critics and influencers who had mocked Depp quickly backtracked, with some deleting their posts and others issuing apologies. The influencer who had posted the “FashionFail” comment on Instagram wrote a lengthy apology, admitting, “I didn’t realize the significance of the necklace to Johnny. I was wrong to judge, and I’m sorry.” The online narrative shifted from ridicule to admiration, with many praising Depp for staying true to himself and Musk for using his platform to defend a friend and amplify the gala’s mission.

A Ripple Effect of Positivity

The impact of Musk’s defense went beyond silencing the critics—it brought unprecedented attention to the Lumière de Paris Gala and its cause. Thanks to Musk’s matching pledge, the event raised a record-breaking $25 million for children’s education, far surpassing its initial goal. Depp, deeply moved by the turn of events, gave an impromptu speech at the gala’s close, thanking Musk and the attendees for their generosity. “I’ve always believed in second chances,” Depp said, his voice thick with emotion. “Tonight, you’ve given thousands of kids a chance at a better future. That’s what matters.”

In the days that followed, the story continued to resonate. Depp and Musk’s unlikely alliance—given their complicated history tied to Amber Heard—became a symbol of reconciliation and mutual respect. Musk, who had once been blamed by Depp for contributing to the breakdown of his marriage to Heard, as noted by Musk’s father in a 2023 interview, showed that past tensions could be set aside for a greater good. Fans on X celebrated the moment, with one user writing, “Johnny Depp and Elon Musk teaming up to shut down the haters and raise millions for kids? This is the redemption arc we didn’t know we needed.”

A Lasting Legacy

As of June 2, 2025, the story of Johnny Depp’s cross necklace and Elon Musk’s defense has left a lasting impact. The Lumière de Paris Gala has announced plans to establish a scholarship fund in Depp’s name, aimed at supporting young artists from underprivileged backgrounds—a cause close to Depp’s heart, given his own humble beginnings. Depp, meanwhile, has continued to wear the cross necklace proudly, including at the London stop of his A Bunch of Stuff tour, where he told reporters, “It’s not about the jewelry—it’s about what it means to me. If someone doesn’t get that, it’s their loss, not mine.”

For Johnny Depp, this moment is another chapter in a career defined by resilience and authenticity. Mocked for his appearance yet again, he emerged not only unscathed but celebrated, thanks to the billionaire who defended him and changed the narrative. In a world quick to judge, Depp and Musk’s actions at the gala serve as a powerful reminder that kindness, understanding, and a willingness to stand up for what’s right can indeed change everything.