Author iO Tillett Wright might’ve been misgendered by Johnny Depp during the trial against his ex-wife Amber Heard, and this has drawn criticism. Social media users are also criticizing the disparity in treatment between Lizzo and him.
Fans expressed their opinions on Twitter after the singer, whose real name is Melissa Viviane Jefferson, released her most recent album Special on Friday, July 15.
The Pirates of the Caribbean actor, 59, was criticized for misgendering Wright seemingly without repercussions, but the 34-year-old singer swiftly removed an ableist slur from her new song “Grrrls” in response to criticism.
She also apologized, saying she “never want[ed] to promote derogatory language.”
Trevor on Lizzo's "Grrrls" Lyric Controversy #BetweenTheScenes pic.twitter.com/p32CbfHZCB
— The Daily Show (@TheDailyShow) July 17, 2022
Johnny Depp went unpunished for his declarations
In the video that is going viral online, Depp can be seen stumbling over his words as he speaks about Wright in court.
“She was born a female, if that’s the right terminology these days,” he said. “Born a female, but she was, she had chosen, at a very young age, she decided that she was a male.”
Johnny Depp misgendering witness iO Tillet Wright for 2 minutes straight. iO is a trans man that testified he witnessed Johnny beating Amber. pic.twitter.com/XxIcBDuZfW
— Kamilla (@k4mil1aa) July 15, 2022
“Funny how Lizzo used a slur in a song and had to remove it instantly for risk of being canceled, and yet Johnny can get away with constantly misgendering iO and calling him a lesbian slur in a text message,” said a twitter user.
“Johnny Depp misgendering witness iO Tillet Wright for 2 minutes straight. iO is a trans man that testified he witnessed Johnny beating Amber,” tweeted another one.
“He referred to iO with the pronouns he used at the time that they knew each other and the time that the events he’s talking about took place,” claimed another user defending Depp.
Wright, a co-host of the MTV show Suspect and an activist, recently used Instagram to address any misunderstandings regarding his pronouns, admitting he does not like the use of “they/them.”
