Importance Score: 62 / 100 🔴
In the spring of 2023, subscribers to the British regional lifestyle magazine Somerset Life eagerly awaited their April edition, a “Gardens Special” promising expert advice for gardening enthusiasts and highlighting the best spots to view seasonal bluebells.
However, when the magazine arrived, a story exceeding the scope of blooming gardens in southwest England dominated the cover. In what seemed to be an exclusive interview, Hollywood icon Johnny Depp purportedly declared his affinity for the rustic county, claiming to have purchased a secluded retreat there.
The Viral Johnny Depp Interview
The national and international media swiftly seized upon the story of the controversial Pirates of the Caribbean star’s supposed English sanctuary. The news of Depp’s Somerset hideaway rapidly spread online, turning into a viral sensation.
British celebrity magazine Hello! lauded the star’s alleged idyllic 12-bedroom estate, complete with “a walled garden and even its own dairy farm.” US magazine People informed readers that Depp was “enjoying the quiet life in England.” The Independent enticed readers with the promise that the actor had “opened up about his newfound introverted lifestyle.”
The story gained further intrigue due to its source: a regional monthly magazine. The six-page article asserted, “It is true that he also bought an estate of 850 acres near Kingston St Mary which includes what is known as Somerset Mansion.”
There was just one issue: those close to Depp denied the story, stating that he had not made such a purchase.
In the following days, the actor’s representatives frantically attempted to correct what they deemed an inaccurate story that had rapidly gained traction.
The Journalist Behind the Story
Intriguingly, Depp’s team did not recognize the journalist credited with the piece. “The whole thing was strange,” a source close to the actor remarked.
The author, Bernard Bale, was a relatively unknown British freelance journalist. The story of how he secured the Johnny Depp story, along with other celebrity interviews, offers insights into the mechanics of celebrity journalism.
A review of celebrity stories under Bale’s byline resembled a guest list for a grand Hollywood event, albeit one held in a local diner.
His published work included quotes from:
- Barack and Michelle Obama (2019)
- Jennifer Aniston (2019)
- Céline Dion (2019)
- Barbra Streisand (2020)
All these interviews remarkably appeared in the Scottish Sunday Post.
Somerset Life readers might have also recalled a 2018 article where the magazine claimed “Bernard Bale talks to Hollywood A-lister Nicolas Cage about his decision to make our county his home.”
Beyond celebrity access, Bale also seemed to have connections with prominent UK politicians.
Interviews with Political Figures
In February 2022, despite navigating the UK economy through the global pandemic’s financial turmoil, then Chancellor Rishi Sunak supposedly found time for an interview with Dogs Today.
While politicians courting the “dog vote” isn’t surprising, sources close to Sunak stated that they couldn’t recall an interview with either Dogs Today or Bale. “It is extremely unlikely. He was chancellor and no one who would know can recall this,” they said.
In October 2022, Bale’s name appeared on a piece claiming that Tom Cruise, “arguably the world’s most famous actor,” had “taken time out of his busy schedule to talk exclusively to Derbyshire Life.” In February 2024, the Yorkshire Dalesman magazine posted an article online: “Sir Ben Kingsley chats with Bernard Bale about his #yorkshire roots.”
Following inquiries regarding these stories, sources close to the celebrities involved denied any recollection of the interviews. A representative for Kingsley stated he “has not done an interview with this person.” A spokesperson for the Dalesman said its freelance submissions were subject to rigorous editorial checks and published in good faith.
The Sourcing of Celebrity Interviews
The core question remains: How did Bale secure these interviews? Journalists generally do not reveal their sources. Bale declined to confirm how he obtained the interviews, stating that he had built a professional reputation based on trust and credibility, leading to “hundreds of interviews and even friendships” over the years.
The world of showbiz journalism has various methods. Agents, managers, and sources may provide information on behalf of clients, which can be developed into interviews. Reporters sometimes have little control over headlines or social media promotion of stories.
Some sources did not express concerns regarding Bale’s work. The editor of Dogs Today stated there had been no complaints about his work, which apparently included two interviews with Barack Obama. They added that several features contained scoops later confirmed by mainstream media, suggesting the accuracy of his sources.
Who is Bernard Bale?
Who is Bernard Bale, the figure connecting Hollywood and regional UK publications?
Bale’s LinkedIn profile mentions starting as a writer at 13, with his work accepted and paid for by a local newspaper. He describes himself as a “writer, TV and radio broadcaster, speaker, voice actor, PR and marketing consultant, co-owner of Chucklesworld Ltd and global sports and entertainment and visitor attractions partner.” Newspaper archives reveal more to his story.
His initial appearance in print was not as a writer.
A Daily Mirror article from July 1978 suggests that a Bernard Bale, resembling the journalist, was involved in a “zoo love tangle” at Cleethorpes zoo, allegedly running off with a trapeze artist’s daughter.
From Circus to Celebrity Journalism
Eventually, Bale transitioned from the circus to celebrity interviews. In March 2022, Derbyshire Life published an “exclusive interview” by Bale with George Clooney, headlined “Why George Clooney is a fan of Derby County.”
Bale reportedly supplied many celebrity interviews to Derbyshire Life. He stated that he had a relationship with Clooney, and suggested he could get quotes from him about Derby County.
In the article, Clooney was quoted saying: “I watched a few games on TV and gradually I began to understand soccer better and began to look out for Derby County’s games and results. I have been watching ever since.”
The combination of a major celebrity and a smaller club sparked another national news frenzy.
The Sun picked up the Clooney story the next day, publishing an “exclusive” with the headline: “Hollywood star George Clooney has claimed that he would love to purchase Wayne Rooney’s Derby County side.” It featured a photo of Clooney in a Derby County shirt with “Ocean’s 11” on the back.
The Sun article highlighted fan excitement: “It’s unbelievable. But it’s also absolutely terrific. I’m gobsmacked,” said Derby fan Matthew Porter, 32. Local MP Amanda Solloway added: “[It] would be brilliant if George Clooney who loves football and has a passion was to buy [the club].” The story appeared to use the quotes published in Derbyshire Life.
The Guardian was unable to reach George Clooney’s press office for comment. Bale has stated that how his work was presented sometimes differed from his original submissions and that he cannot control how editors display his writing. He said he has kept records of many of the interviews he has worked on and is “not responsible for the presentation or editing,” adding that “any assertion or inference that [he] personally [has] misled any reader” was inaccurate and defamatory.
Following publication, editors at the Derbyshire magazine were contacted regarding concerns about Bale’s work for another publication.
At the time, they had prepared another six-page interview from Bale, this time with Keira Knightley. Bale stated that the quotes came from one of her agents. The magazine ultimately decided not to publish the interview.
Derbyshire Life editor Nathan Fearn said Bale had occasionally provided features on a freelance basis. However, in July 2023, the publication became “aware of issues that had arisen with one of Mr Bale’s interviews for a different title.”
He added: “His work has not been used by Derbyshire Life since.”
Regarding Somerset Life, editors believed Bale had spoken with famous people. After being contacted by Depp’s representatives and discussions with Bale, he was informed his services were no longer required. A spokesperson for Somerset Life declined to comment.
The Guardian has seen no evidence that the interviews were illegitimately obtained, but sources close to the stars stated they do not recall speaking with Bale. Bale says that he has “kept copies of many of the original articles and emails pertaining to articles submitted” and that he has “more than enough evidence, testimonials and so on to prove [his] integrity.”
Bale, according to his promotional material, has had a six-decade career. Approaching 80, he continues to broadcast on an online radio station, write books, and produce celebrity stories. More stories may be forthcoming, with Lionel Messi potentially being a future subject.