Emily Hampshire Apologizes for Controversial Halloween Costume Inspired by Johnny Depp and Amber Heard’s Defamation Trial

Emily Hampshire, best known for her role as Stevie Budd on the comedy-drama sitcom Schitt’s Creek, has apologized for her Halloween costume choice. Hampshire and a friend wore costumes inspired by Johnny Depp and Amber Heard’s explosive defamation trial last year. Hampshire dressed as Depp with slicked back hair and makeup that copied Depp’s facial hair and tattoos, while her friend dressed as Heard and held props referencing the graphic testimony given during the trial.

Photos of the costumes have since been deleted, but Hampshire has since issued an apology. She said she regretted her costume choice, saying it made light of the very serious issue of domestic abuse. She also expressed her support for victims of domestic abuse and said she was sorry for any hurt she may have caused.

The Depp-Heard trial was a highly publicized case that began in May of 2020. Depp sued Heard for defamation after she wrote an article in The Washington Post in December 2018, in which she described herself as a victim of domestic abuse. The trial included graphic testimony from both parties, and Heard was ultimately found to have proven her allegations of domestic abuse.

Hampshire’s costume choice has been met with criticism from many, including domestic abuse survivors and advocates. Many have said that the costumes were insensitive and trivialized the very serious issue of domestic abuse. Hampshire’s apology has been met with mixed reactions, with some saying that it was not enough and that she should have been more aware of the implications of her costume choice.