'When was the last time an actor assassinated a president?': Depp's Trump joke courts controversy

The actor Johnny Depp jokingly suggests he endorses the assassination of Donald Trump during an appearance at the Glastonbury Festival.

Johnny Depp at a screening of The Libertine during the Glastonbury Festival. Source: Matt Crossick

Hollywood actor Johnny Depp has attracted controversy when he appeared to jokingly suggest he endorsed the assassination of President Donald Trump.

Depp made the remarks to cheering fans in the English town of Glastonbury where he was promoting a drive-in cinema at the annual music festival.

"When was the last time an actor assassinated a President?" said Depp while the crowd cheered.

"I want to clarify, I'm not an actor. I lie for a living. However, it's been a while ... and maybe it's time," Depp added.

Depp appeared to refer to the 1865 assassination of US President Abraham Lincoln at the hands of actor John Wilkes-Booth.

Numerous Hollywood actors have been outspoken against Trump since his rise from rich TV personality to the presidency.

In May, comedian Kathy Griffin posed with a fake severed and bloodied head resembling that of Trump.