In a scene that has ignited curiosity across the globe, Johnny Depp was spotted arriving at a rehearsal with a red-haired mystery woman, sparking a flurry of speculation about the enigmatic actor’s personal life. The sighting, which took place on July 17, 2022, at the Arena Santa Giuliana in Perugia, Italy, came as Depp prepared for a performance at the Umbria Jazz Festival alongside legendary guitarist Jeff Beck. The 59-year-old actor, fresh from his high-profile defamation trial victory against ex-wife Amber Heard, appeared in high spirits, but it was the unidentified woman by his side that stole the spotlight, leaving fans and media scrambling for answers.
Depp arrived at the venue in a white van, stepping out with his trademark flair. Dressed in a crisp white T-shirt, blue jeans, and a brown fedora hat, he accessorized with an array of necklaces, rings, and bracelets, completing the look with black boots and blue-lens aviator sunglasses. A sweater was casually tied around his waist, hinting at his readiness for the unpredictable Italian weather. His companion, a striking red-haired woman, followed closely behind, her long legs showcased in denim shorts and a green T-shirt. She carried a backpack and wore low-heeled brown sandals, a matching belt, and sunglasses tucked into her hair, exuding a relaxed yet confident vibe. The pair’s easy interaction—highlighted by Depp accepting a bag from her—fueled rumors of a possible romantic connection, though the truth would soon prove more mundane.
The rehearsal marked a significant moment for Depp, who has been channeling his energy into music following the emotional rollercoaster of his legal battles. The collaboration with Beck, a friendship that began in 2016 over shared passions for guitars and cars, culminated in the release of their album 18 on July 15, 2022. The 13-track collection, featuring covers of Motown soul classics and originals by Depp, including a track some interpret as a subtle jab at Heard, reflects a return to his creative roots. The album’s cover, an illustration of the duo as 18-year-olds drawn by Beck’s wife Sandra, symbolizes the youthful spirit they rediscovered together. For Depp, who grew up idolizing Beck, the partnership is a dream realized, a sentiment he echoed in a statement calling Beck “one of the true greats and someone I am now privileged enough to call my brother.”
The mystery woman’s presence, however, overshadowed the musical focus. Paparazzi captured her handing Depp a bag as he exited the van, a gesture that suggested familiarity. After the rehearsal, both returned to the Brufani hotel in Perugia, where she was also reported to be staying, adding to the intrigue. Social media erupted with theories, with fans on platforms like Twitter speculating about her identity. Some linked her to a concert organizer, while others wondered if she might be a new romantic interest, especially given Depp’s recent single status post-trial. The timing, just weeks after a judge denied Heard’s motion for a retrial in their defamation case, amplified the narrative, with some suggesting it was Depp’s way of moving on.
Initial reports leaned into the romance angle, painting the woman as a potential new flame. Her striking appearance and the duo’s apparent camaraderie fed the frenzy. Yet, within days, the speculation was debunked. Sources revealed that she was his French teacher, assisting him with language skills for his upcoming film Jeanne du Barry, where he plays King Louis XV. The movie, his first major role since the trial, tells the true story of a seamstress’s daughter who became the king’s final mistress. The professional nature of their relationship was emphasized, with insiders insisting there was “no romantic connection whatsoever,” quashing the tabloid buzz.
This clarification aligns with Depp’s recent focus on rehabilitation and reinvention. The defamation trial, which ended with a Virginia jury awarding him $10.35 million (reduced from $15 million due to state law caps) while Heard received $2 million on a counterclaim, left his public image bruised but resilient. Heard’s allegations of abuse, countered by Depp’s claims of being the victim, turned the courtroom into a global spectacle. The trial’s aftermath saw Depp stepping back from acting to tour with Beck, a move that seemed to restore his creative confidence. The French teacher’s role fits this narrative—a practical step to prepare for a career comeback rather than a personal dalliance.
The red-haired woman’s identity as a tutor rather than a lover disappointed some fans who relished the drama, but it also humanized Depp. His decision to work with a language coach reflects a commitment to his craft, a trait consistent with his past roles in films like Ed Wood and Finding Neverland, where he immersed himself in character. The Jeanne du Barry project, filmed in France, marks a bold return, and his language preparation underscores a desire to deliver an authentic performance. Meanwhile, the rehearsal with Beck showcased his musical prowess, with spirited performances that hinted at the energy of their 18 album tracks.
Public reaction has been a mix of relief and intrigue. Supporters praised Depp’s dedication, while others remained skeptical, questioning the timing of the teacher reveal. The media’s initial rush to sensationalize the story highlights a broader issue: the constant scrutiny celebrities face, where every companion becomes a potential headline. Depp’s history—arrests in the 1980s and ’90s, his volatile marriage to Heard—makes him a magnet for such narratives, yet his response to this incident was characteristically low-key, letting the truth emerge through trusted sources rather than public statements.
The Umbria Jazz Festival performance on July 17 was a success, with Depp and Beck delivering a set that thrilled the audience. The red-haired woman remained in the background, her role as a teacher confirmed but her name still undisclosed, preserving an air of mystery. This event, set against the backdrop of Perugia’s historic streets, underscored Depp’s transition from legal battles to artistic pursuits. As of June 20, 2025, the Jeanne du Barry film is in post-production, with Depp’s French skills reportedly improving, a testament to his collaboration with the tutor.
This episode serves as a microcosm of Depp’s journey—marked by talent, controversy, and redemption. The red-haired mystery woman, initially a tabloid tease, became a symbol of his professional renewal. In a world quick to judge, her presence at the rehearsal offered a glimpse into the quieter, more determined side of a man who has weathered storms to reclaim his narrative. As he prepares for his next act, the focus shifts from who she was to what he’s building—a legacy beyond the headlines.
