Johnny: I will not be seen or Heard

Actor avoids his own movie party to protect his reputation

Once upon a time, Johnny Depp would have been out tearing up the French Riviera at Cannes.

But the hedonistic actor is so keen to protect his movie comeback that we can reveal he even snubbed his own opening night dinner at the resort's film festival this week.

As our picture shows, Johnny's seat at the Carlton Cannes bash for his period drama Jeanne du Barry remained empty after he bailed - forgoing a feast of white lobster salad, flame-seared sea bass and St Honoré pastry dessert.

Our insider says: "Everyone was expecting Johnny at the dinner.

"It's very rare for the star of the film to not show, but he decided to lay low.