Johnny Depp’s appearance at the London premiere of Public Enemies (June 29th) was the first opportunity reporters had to ask for his reaction to Michael Jackson’s untimely death. “Well, obviously hearing about the sad passing of Michael Jackson, for anyone – for all of us – it’s very, very tragic,” Johnny said. “Some children lost a father; some parents lost a child; some brothers and sisters lost a sibling; so that’s obviously very sad. I had great respect for what he’s done, his work over the years,” Johnny added. “He’s a real genius.”

And what about the rumors that Johnny Depp may play Michael Jackson in a future motion picture? False rumors! “As far as playing him in a movie, it’s such an obtuse rumor that I never had the pleasure of cultivating,” Johnny replied. “That’s not my idea, anyway.”

The Telegraph brought up the old false claim that Johnny’s performance as Willy Wonka in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was based on Michael Jackson – a rumor that Johnny debunked repeatedly in interviews at the time of the film’s release in 2005, and publicly refuted again on Monday. “He was not the inspiration for Willy Wonka,” Johnny said. “I wish I could say that I was inspired by him for the role.” However, there is no connection between Johnny’s portrayal of Roald Dahl’s candymaker and the King of Pop.

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Source: JDZ