Johnny Depp gives first public interview since Amber Heard abuse allegations

Depp gives 50-minute interview alongside bandmates - but isn't asked one question about acrimonious divorce

Depp says he has played music since as a young teenager and then embarked on a career in acting 'by accident' (REX Features)

Johnny Depp has given his first public interview since news of his divorce from Amber Heard emerged.

The actor, 53, appeared on Jonesy’s Jukebox radio talk show on Sunday with his fellow Hollywood Vampires bandmates Matt Sorum, Robert DeLeo and Bruce Witkin.

Depp discussed his career during the 50-minute interview but was not asked one question about his highly publicised ongoing legal battle.

Heard, 30, filed for divorce from Depp in May. She accused Depp of abusing her physically and emotionally during their 15-month marriage and was granted a temporary restraining order by a Los Angeles judge. The restraining order was extended for a further two months in June.

Depp has denied Heard’s allegation of abuse via his lawyer who claimed Heard applied for a restraining order in response to the negative media coverage she received and in order to “secure a premature financial resolution”.

Speaking to his host, the former Sex Pistols guitarist Steve Jones, Depp said while he enjoyed the process of acting and preparing for roles, he did not like the press attention which followed.

“The drag is all the hoopla that happens when a film opens, that’s the part I hate. I don’t watch the movies so for me all I have is the experience. So when you show up at one of those things you’ve got to pedal your arse for a film I don’t know what [happens].

“I’ve seen only a couple I’ve had to see, just to check for the cut, to make sure that the cut was cool. But only twice in so many films".

In a surprising admission, Depp said he has played music since he was a young teenager and later embarked on an acting career "by accident".

“I've [been a musician] since I was little - since I was 12 I've played. I started playing clubs when I was like 13 in Miami.”

“I needed to pay rent,” Depp added. “Somebody said, 'Why don't you go meet an agent. My agent is with Nick Cage,' so she sent me on an audition for something and I got it.”

Depp also claimed he doesn't watch himself on screen because it makes him feel self-conscious.

A Los Angeles court hearing has been scheduled for 15 and 16 August where Heard will request a permanent restraining order against Depp.

Representatives for Depp and Heard did not immediately respond to request for comment.