Johnny Depp apologises over rape comment

Pirates of the Caribbean star Johnny Depp has apologised for “regretful” comments made in an interview, comparing photo shoots to being raped.

He told Vanity Fair magazine he found being photographed “just weird” and said: “You just feel like you’re being raped somehow. Raped. The whole thing.”

In a statement he apologised for “a poor choice of words on my part, in an effort to explain a feeling”.

It came after he was criticised by the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network.

Speaking at the same interview, Depp, 48, added “whenever you have a photo shoot or something like that, it’s like – you just feel dumb”.

“It’s just so stupid,” he added.

The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network had criticised Depp saying that “while photos may feel at times intrusive, being photographed in no way compares to rape”.

It has since said it “appreciates and accepts” the apology.

Depp said he was “truly sorry for offending anyone in any way – I never meant to”.

“I understand there is no comparison and I am very regretful.

“In an effort to correct my lack of judgement, please accept my heartfelt apology,” the actor added.

Discussing pay in Hollywood, Depp – the star of films including Edward Scissorhands and Alice in Wonderland – also told the magazine: “Basically, if they’re going to pay me the stupid money right now, I’m going to take it. I have to.”

He said he was not taking the money “for me”.

“At this point, it’s for my kids. It’s ridiculous, yeah, yeah,” Depp added.