Helena Carter on cancellation culture: 'Time to end the witch hunt'

Helena Bonham Carter spoke about her attitude towards the culture of cancellation and such derelict figures as actor Johnny Depp and writer JK Rowling. Speaking to The Times, the Crown star criticized the way that famous people are publicly condemned for their beliefs or the vicissitudes of their personal lives, and this subsequently negatively affects their career. “You ban geniuses for their sexual preferences? There are millions of people whose personal life, if you look at it, you can immediately disqualify. I hate cancellation culture. It turns into a kind of hysteria, a witch hunt and a lack of understanding.”

When asked if Hollywood heavyweights have a chance of redemption, Helena explained: “I don't think there is for the likes of Kevin Spacey. And Johnny, in fact, already went through it. In response to a follow-up question about Depp, who has starred with her in numerous films and is the godfather of her children with Tim Burton, Bonham Carter said that the Pirates of the Caribbean star was “fully exonerated” in the famous lawsuit against Amber Heard. “I think he is fine now. In perfect order,” added the Oscar nominee.

She was also asked if the verdict in this case, in which Depp was awarded $15 million in damages, is a confirmation that the pendulum of the #MeToo movement has swung the other way. “I think she (Heard) felt the consequences of this pendulum. There is a problem with such things. People are jumping on this train because it's a trend and they can advertise it."

During the process, Depp denied any assault on Heard and her claims that he was addicted to alcohol and psychotropic substances. Johnny and Helena have worked on Corpse Bride (2005), Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005), Sweeney Todd, The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007), Alice in Wonderland (2010) and "Dark Shadows" (2012).

The actress was also impressed by the comments of the author of the Harry Potter novels, JK Rowling, who were criticized on social networks as transphobic. Bonham Carter played Bellatrix Lestrange in the last four Wizarding Boy films. “It's monstrous, a lot of crap. I think she was stalked,” the actress said of Rowling. “It went to the extreme, to the condemnation of people. She allowed herself to express her opinion, especially if she had experienced violence. Everyone has their own history of trauma, and opinions are formed from that trauma. Therefore, you must respect people and their pain. You don't have to agree with everything - that would be crazy and boring. But she's not broadcasting aggression, she's just saying something that comes from her experience."

When asked about franchise stars such as Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint who spoke out against Rowling's remarks, Helena remarked, "Personally, I think they should let her have her say, but I think they should also protect their fans and their generation."