Johnny Depp apparently bought the archives of author Nick Tosches by sealing a document with his blood

(Image credit: Atsushi Tomura/Getty Images)

published 5 July 2017

Despite being one of the highest paid actors in the world, Johnny Depp is in trouble. The actor's extravagant, over-the-top, pirate-like love of opulence has taken a toll on his wallet, sparking a lawsuit against his former managers for charges of negligence and fraud, followed by a subsequent cross-complaint that alleges despite his former managers' best efforts, Depp had refused to stop his "selfish, reckless, and irresponsible lifestyle."

Regardless of who the court ultimately decides is right, Depp's purchases certainly raise eyebrows, Vanity Fair writes. From the 40 full-time employees he reportedly has at his beck and call to his decision to purchase an $8.75 million steam-powered replica yacht in need of $8 million worth of refurbishment, Depp apparently sheds money with an enthusiasm that would make Donald Trump blush.

But, being Depp, the actor's fancies don't lie in gold penthouses so much as they do in insect collections and Banksy paintings. Everything he does — from what he purchases to how he does it — is incredibly Deppy:

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[Depp's former business manager Joel Mandel], according to a source close to TMG, discovered many purchases only after receiving the invoices, such as on Sept. 22, 2014, when he got a call from a New York attorney saying that Depp had bought the archives of the author and former V.F. contributing editor Nick Tosches. The negotiations had supposedly taken place late one night in London's Dorchester hotel, and the agreed-upon price for the archives was $1.2 million. (Tosches did not respond to requests for comment.)Dubious, Mandel asked for proof. An e-mail arrived with a photograph of Dorchester stationery, on which Depp had written, "i, Johnny Depp, hereby agree to purchase the archives of Saint Nick Tosches for the sum of $1.2 million dollars. Johnny Depp."The agreement appeared to be sealed, beside his signature, with drops of blood. [Vanity Fair]

Read more about Depp's financial crisis at Vanity Fair, and about his doomed persona at The Week.

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Jeva Lange was the executive editor at TheWeek.com. She formerly served as The Week's deputy editor and culture critic. She is also a contributor to Screen Slate, and her writing has appeared in The New York Daily News, The Awl, Vice, and Gothamist, among other publications. Jeva lives in New York City. Follow her on Twitter.