He's speaking out. Marilyn Manson defended longtime pal Johnny Depp in a new interview following the drama surrounding the actor's recent divorce from Amber Heard.
Speaking with the Daily Beast, the "Beautiful People" singer, 47, opened up about his close relationship with Depp, 53, and the actor's children with ex Vanessa Paradis, Lily-Rose, 17, and Jack, 14.
"Lily-Rose is my goddaughter and I was there when Jack was born, so we go back," Manson told the news outlet. "Johnny is one of the nicest people that I know — to the extent where it's almost heartbreaking how kind he is to his friends, and everyone around him. I know that he was completely crucified — unjustly."
"I would stand by him on anything," the rocker said. "As my friend, I know that he's handling it the best he can and he's a great dad too. It fills me with joy to see his kids grow up and be so smart, and so hilarious. We played a show together not too long ago."
Referring to Heard's claims that Depp physically and verbally abused her, Manson continued, "It's hard to say when you talk about your friends. Of course I think that all of it was bulls‑‑t, and I think that he is a great person. I wouldn't agree with any of it if someone were to put me on the stand and ask me what I know, or what I've witnessed."
As Us Weekly previously reported, Depp and Heard, 30, settled their divorce case on August 16 after nearly three months of abuse allegations. Shortly after the Justice League actress filed for divorce in May, she was granted a temporary domestic violence restraining order against the Pirates of the Caribbean star and accused him of being abusive throughout their four-year relationship. Depp's lawyer denied the allegations and accused Heard of "attempting to secure" financial security with her claims.
After settling their divorce, the former couple released a joint statement to Us Weekly, saying, "Our relationship was intensely passionate and at times volatile, but always bound by love. Neither party has made false accusations for financial gain. There was never any intent of physical or emotional harm. Amber wishes the best for Johnny in the future. Amber will be donating financial proceeds form the divorce to a charity."
