Johnny Depp has formed an unlikely friendship with the powerful ruler of Saudi Arabia that is so strong observers have characterised it as a “bromance”.
The Hollywood actor and musician was first introduced to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as a business partner two years ago.
In that time, Depp, 60, has developed a real friendship with Bin Salman, 38. “They made a genuine connection,” a friend of Depp told Vanity Fair. “It’s a shock to many of the people who know him, but it’s what happened.”
Over the past year, Depp has reportedly spent more than seven weeks in Saudi Arabia staying in royal palaces and camps.
He has travelled the country by yacht and helicopter, and even flew to London and back on Bin Salman’s personal 747 to attend the Jeff Beck Memorial Concert at the Royal Albert Hall.
At one point, Depp reportedly gave the prince a painting he had made.