Chapter 736: Getting in Trouble!

In the midst of April's hustle and bustle in Hollywood, whispers of Johnny Depp's latest debacle permeated the town once more. This time, it was yet another scandal brewing.

TMZ, always at the forefront of breaking news, unearthed a startling revelation: the IRS had Johnny Depp in its crosshairs for seven years of unpaid taxes, with penalties looming like storm clouds on the horizon.

In a grand spectacle, the Los Angeles branch of the IRS took center stage, announcing to the world that Depp's tax tab amounted to a staggering $95.6 million. A hefty sum by any standard, especially considering Depp's estimated movie earnings surpassing $650 million over the years.

Ordinarily, settling such a debt wouldn't pose much of a challenge for a Hollywood heavyweight. Yet, when faced with the IRS's looming figures, Depp found himself in an unexpected quandary, he simply didn't have the funds to foot the bill.

Behind this financial fiasco lay a tangled web of investments orchestrated by the Mandel brothers Investment Company, founded by the elusive brothers Joel and Robert. Every dollar of Depp's fortune seemed to have vanished into their pithole of ventures, leaving him high and dry.

Depp, in a twist of irony, had entrusted his finances to the Mandelkin brothers, only to find himself drowning in debt. With liquidity a distant memory, his most recent financial lifeline was a $5 million loan from the very company now under scrutiny.

To add insult to injury, Depp's supposed oversight, Joel, was none other than Robert's brother, an oversight arrangement that seemed more like a cruel joke.

Despite the façade of wealth, Depp's fortune was but a hollow illusion. Entrusting his financial empire to the Mandel brothers had backfired spectacularly, leaving him with nothing but debts and regrets.

In a desperate bid to reclaim his losses, Depp took legal action against the Mandel brothers, accusing them of financial malpractice. Meanwhile, the Mandels countered, citing Depp's extravagant spending as the root cause of his financial woes, shedding light on his lavish purchases of an impractical Bahamian island and a fleet of classic cars with exorbitant upkeep costs.

As the saga unfolded, it became clear that even in the glittering world of Hollywood, financial ruin could be just a misstep away.

In the whirlwind of allegations and financial reckoning, another startling revelation emerged: Johnny Depp's circle of friends were bleeding him dry to the tune of eight figures annually.

Amidst whispers of extravagant spending, it was revealed that Depp's wine habit alone drained his coffers by a staggering $200,000 to $300,000 every month, a detail that seemed almost incredulous to outsiders.

When confronted about his alleged wine expenditure in an interview, Depp scoffed, his tone laced with defiance. "Two to three hundred grand on red wine? That's an insult!"

But to those versed in the world of addiction, Depp's retort spoke volumes. "Two to three hundred grand? That's just scratching the surface," he mused, revealing a glimpse into the mind of someone entrenched in the throes of substance abuse.

As the media circus ensued, both sides hurled accusations with fervor, painting a vivid picture of excess and irresponsibility.

In a bid to gain leverage in the impending legal battle, the Mandel brothers didn't hesitate to unveil Depp's darker side, exposing a laundry list of unsavory behaviors. From neglecting lines on set to relying on makeshift teleprompters, Depp's professional conduct came under intense scrutiny.

But it was his personal demons that truly took center stage, chronic tardiness, alcoholism, drug abuse, and a penchant for absenteeism painted a damning portrait of the once-revered actor.

In the plush confines of the Columbia Tower penthouse, Johnny Depp found himself at a crossroads. With clarity finally dawning after years of haze, he turned to his lawyer, Whigham, his frustration palpable.

"The Mandel brothers created this mess, and now I'm left holding the bag? It's not fair!" Depp exclaimed, his voice tinged with bitterness.

Whigham, ever the voice of reason, interjected cautiously. "But Johnny, the IRS doesn't care about your disputes with the Mandels. They're only concerned with collecting what's owed."

Depp's anger simmered beneath the surface as he contemplated his bleak financial future. "I don't give a damn," he muttered, the weight of his predicament bearing down on him.

Whigham's reminder echoed in the silence of the room. "It's the IRS, Johnny."

As the gravity of his situation sank in, Depp slumped on the sofa, a sense of defeat washing over him. The specter of bankruptcy loomed large, casting a shadow over his once-gilded life.

Amber Heard, a silent observer in the room, watched her husband's turmoil unfold with a heavy heart. It was a stark reminder of the precariousness of their situation, a reality far removed from the glitz and glamour of Hollywood.

As she pondered the choices that had led them to this juncture, one thing became painfully clear: her marriage to Depp had brought her anything but the fairy tale she had once envisioned.

Amber cast a somber gaze upon Depp, noting the sunken eye sockets, heavy eye bags, and the decadent expression etched upon his face. The faint aroma of alcohol lingered around him, painting a picture of his current state.

Reflecting on her encounter with Musk not long ago, Amber couldn't help but compare the two men. Musk seemed leagues ahead, a stark contrast to Depp's current predicament.

With firm resolve in her heart, Amber decided it was time for a divorce. She silently schemed to find the opportune moment to initiate proceedings, feeling justified in reclaiming something for the youth she had given in exchange.

Considering Depp's unfortunate circumstances, Amber resolved to spare him excessive embarrassment. While nine figures were out of the question, she deemed eight to be sufficient.

Surveying Depp once more, Amber realized the issue wasn't with him, but rather everything surrounding him.

After a persuasive plea from his agent, Whigham, Depp reluctantly agreed to liquidate his assets to settle his IRS debts. The lawyer emphasized the dire consequences of delay, citing examples like Nicolas Cage's ongoing tax woes.

Amidst the chaos, Depp recalled unpaid wages from "The Lone Ranger" crew. Requesting Whigham's intervention, he hoped to secure the long-overdue payment.

As Whigham departed for Annapurna Pictures, Depp's thoughts drifted to the unforeseen turn his life had taken. Weariness settled in, driving him to seek solace in drink and drugs.

Meanwhile, Whigham's efforts at Annapurna proved futile. Megan Ellison, burdened by Depp's recent scandals, rebuffed the crew's offer, citing contractual terms and her own mounting PR concerns.

Her spirits lifted, Megan interjected firmly, "It's important to rein in Depp and prevent any further negative press!"

Whigham leaped to Depp's defense, countering, "Depp is a victim in this situation as well. He was misled by his manager and accountant. Ms. Ellison, with your knowledge of the industry, you must understand the complexities at play here."

Unfazed, Megan pressed on, "Assaulting Martin Davis, Is Depp out of his mind?"

Whigham clarified, "Those were Depp's friends reacting to Davis's bullying. Their actions were spontaneous, and Depp had no prior knowledge."

Megan couldn't suppress a slight shake of her head, recalling the tumultuous events during "The Lone Ranger" filming.

She mused bitterly, "Depp's associates may have intended to confront Davis, but they ended up endangering lives. It's a mess. The driver of the Hummer might face serious charges, including attempted murder. It's jail time for sure."

Despite Whigham's persistent arguments, Megan remained resolute, delivering a firm "NO" to any further leniency.

If Depp hoped to resolve his financial woes swiftly, liquidating assets seemed the only viable option.

---

Beverly Hills, Sunset Boulevard North.

Bruce steered the Escalade through the gates of Davis Manor.

Harris Carter, one of the Carter siblings, peered eagerly at Martin's lavish estate from the car window.

As the vehicle halted in front of the villa, Harris spotted his sister Lily, alongside Martin and a blonde woman linked arm-in-arm with him, Elizabeth Olsen, the talk of Hollywood and Martin's latest flame.

Exiting the car, Harris's smile faltered as Lily greeted him with a hint of southern charm, urging, "Quit dawdlin', idiot, and get movin'."

Taken aback, Harris complied, meeting Martin's gaze with a question, "Boss, what's on your mind?"