Actor Johnny Depp, whose upcoming movie “The Rum Diary” comes out later this month, stirred controversy when he compared being photographed for a photo shoot to being raped in an interview for the November 2011 issue of Vanity Fair Magazine.

“You just feel like you’re being raped somehow. Raped. The whole thing. It feels like a kind of weird—just weird, man…. Whenever you have a photo shoot or something like that, it’s like—you just feel dumb. It’s just so stupid,” the 48 year-old actor photographed by Terry Richardson said of photo shoot sessions.

Why? Oh why? Why did Johnny have to go there? As a BIG Depp fan, I can understand if he feels his soul is violated during a photo session, but why did he have to use the word “rape”. It’s not about what you say, it’s how you say it.

Last year, Twilight’s Kristen Stewart was highly criticized for comparing violation of privacy by the paparazzi to rape, but she kind of had a point. I just do not understand how a photo shoot can be that harmful. Seriously, Johnny? Then, say “NO”.

The Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN) issued a statement on Johnny’s inappropriate comments:

“While photos may feel at times intrusive, being photographed in no way compares to rape — a violent crime which affects another American every two minutes. RAINN welcomes the opportunity to speak with Mr. Depp and educate him about the real life experiences faced by survivors every day, and ways that he can work with RAINN to help.”

Johnny quickly issued a formal apology, admitting it was a real poor choice of words. “I am truly sorry for offending anyone in any way. I never meant to. It was a poor choice of words on my part in an effort to explain a feeling,” Depp said. “I understand there is no comparison and I am very regretful. In an effort to correct my lack of judgment, please accept my heartfelt apology.”

Apology accepted. Meanwhile, Johnny also revealed the true reason why he is still working his butt off instead of enjoying a more peaceful life with his family in the island he bought in the Bahamas.

“Basically, if they’re going to pay me the stupid money right now, I’m going to take it,” he says in Vanity Fair’s November issue. “I have to. I mean, it’s not for me. Do you know what I mean? At this point, it’s for my kids. It’s ridiculous, yeah, yeah. But ultimately is it for me? No. No. It’s for the kids.”

“The Rum Diary” hits theaters on October 28, 2011.

[image: Vanity Fair]