Congratulatory messages are pouring in for Johnny Depp from not only his fans from across the globe but also his colleagues in the film industry.
According to reports, Hollywood biggie Robert Downey Jr. congratulated Depp via video call after he won the defamation case against his ex-wife, Amber Heard.
As disclosed by Depp’s close friend Josh Richman during a charity live broadcast event for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, the Iron Man actor gave Depp a FaceTime call to celebrate his victory.
“John, thank God it’s over,” Downey Jr. told the Pirates of the Caribbean star over the FaceTime call.
The 59-year-old Hollywood star was in the UK when the verdict in the infamous trial was given.
Joined by his friend and staff, Depp cried and screamed before Jeff Beck flipped off the television screen, recalled Richman.
Richman also shared that Depp had no intention of dragging his ex-girlfriend Kate Moss in the nasty court battle.
Moss also was not impressed when Heard’s legal team called her to testify in the court.
Richman continued: “Her [Moss] goddaughter was like did Johnny Depp push you down the stairs? She was like ‘no.'”
On June 1 the Pirates of the Caribbean actor won his defamation case against Heard following a six-week court battle.
With the jury ruling in his favour, Depp was awarded $10million (£8million) in compensatory damages, plus $5 million (£4 million) in punitive damages.
Meanwhile, Heard has spoken out for the first time about her defamation trial against ex-husband Johnny, saying that the ‘unfair’ conviction was the product of biased ‘social media representation’ and accusing the actor of trying to persuade the jury by calling ‘paid employees and randos’ on the stand.
Diwali celebration tomorrow kicks off business with ticketed workshops and networking.
Model taps into growing demand for inclusive, heritage-focused experiences.
Platform targets not just south Asians seeking cultural connection, but everyone.
Creating cultural belonging
Priyanka Patel, curator of The Empowered Desi, a new events platform for south Asians seeking cultural connection, is here with a Diwali celebration on Saturday (18) at Fargo Village in Coventry. The venture was born from personal experience – Patel felt "isolated and neglected" growing up without many south Asian friends. Spotting a gap in the market, she's now building a business around creating inclusive spaces for south Asians regardless of religious or regional background.
Diwali-themed , Paint N Sip event in Coventry marks the venture's next partnership with local business Sugar and Spice, Patel is offering a ticketed experience featuring diya decorating workshops, Indian grazing boards with chai, and jewellery stations where guests can take home jhumkas and bangles. The Diwali format combines cultural celebration with networking opportunities, with south Asian attire preferred.
Empowerment through experience
I couldn't talk about the festivals we celebrate, the type of Indian food we have, and also the clothes we wear for special occasions," Patel told BBC."I felt that I couldn't express my individuality, which in turn affected my confidence and self-worth." She realised that lack of cultural belonging represented an untapped market.
The business model centres on experiential events that blend tradition with social connection. The first workshop held on September (20) focused on bento cake decorating, a trendy format paired with south Asian networking. Patel aims for attendees to "feel empowered and inspired."
With South Asian Heritage Month highlighting the importance of cultural spaces, The Empowered Desi positions itself at the intersection of community building and commercial viability. Patel's betting that others share her experience and are willing to pay for a sense of belonging.
By clicking the 'Subscribe’, you agree to receive our newsletter, marketing communications and industry
partners/sponsors sharing promotional product information via email and print communication from Garavi Gujarat
Publications Ltd and subsidiaries. You have the right to withdraw your consent at any time by clicking the
unsubscribe link in our emails. We will use your email address to personalize our communications and send you
relevant offers. Your data will be stored up to 30 days after unsubscribing.
Contact us at data@amg.biz to see how we manage and store your data.