The American magazine Vanity Fair published an article about the relationship that grew between Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the American actor Johnny Depp. The article focused on MBS’s desperation to use his wealth—which he seized in a coup assisted by his father, the king—to alter his image and sway public opinion throughout the world.
Johnny Depp, the well-known actor from Owensboro, Kentucky, was taken aback when a Saudi prince requested a meeting, only to learn that the prince in question was Prince Badr, the Saudi Minister of Culture and a relative of the Crown Prince. Prince Badr was the first person involved in MBS’s acquisition of Leonardo Da Salvator Mundi, the world’s most expensive painting, for $450 million.
Johnny Depp initially declined the meeting, but it eventually happened after several exchanges and enticing offers that altered the American actor’s perception of MBS. This was particularly true after MBS hosted him in Saudi Arabia, took him on a trip to his royal private jet, and he returned from London. After seven weeks, he left Saudi Arabia, experiencing yacht and helicopter travel.
Despite receiving billions of dollars in a one-year offer from Saudi Arabia, Johnny Depp was shocked to discover that his business shares had decreased due to his close relationship with the international outcast MBS. The world continues to remember American journalist Jamal Khashoggi’s murder at the hands of MBS.
The current conflict between Johnny Depp and his colleagues arose from Depp’s praising of what he called MBS’s “open cultural revolution,” which aims to transform the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Depp also used his wealth to support the growing film industry, urging MBS to produce and make foreign films rather than to hire actors in exchange for large sums of money.
He also complimented MBS’s video game skills, noting that Saudi Arabia intends to invest $38 billion in gaming and e-sports. MBS is also thought to be an amateur DJ who enjoys playing electronic dance music.
Johnny Depp also expressed his joy at finding space for freedom of opinion and the ability to accept and respond to everything he presents to the princes of the Kingdom. He also called for the nation to embrace the rights of homosexuals and to promote the ideals of absolute freedom.
