Actor Johnny Depp sometimes takes a dim view of American politics. But now he's taking an even dimmer view of West Hollywood politicians.
The "Pirates of the Caribbean" star is in a legal sword fight with city officials who have authorized a Sunset Strip construction project that he insists would ruin a scenic view from an area of his $5.4-million Hollywood Hills property.
The megastar contends in a lawsuit that the city violated environmental-quality laws by approving development of retail shops, a restaurant and a parking structure on a lot beneath his gated, 2 1/2 -acre Sweetzer Avenue estate.
Depp asserts that the project would block the view his two children have while playing outside the 7,430-square-foot home.
Backers of the development dispute that. They say that Depp has declared that the youngsters -- Lily-Rose, 6, and Jack, 4 -- will be raised in France, where he and French actress and singer Vanessa Paradis live.
In fact, Depp has suggested that because of America's current political climate, he can't envision anything more than short visits to Los Angeles.
It was unclear Friday how much time Depp and his family spend in Los Angeles. He has been spotted in Hollywood-area restaurants recently, and post-production is underway on the second installment of his popular pirate series, scheduled for release this summer. He is known to also have a home on a Caribbean island.
Depp could not be reached for comment. His attorney declined to discuss the case and his publicist did not respond to inquiries.
The 42-year-old actor created a furor in late 2003 when he explained to a German publication why he preferred France as the place for his children to grow up.
"America is dumb; it's like a dumb puppy that has big teeth that can bite and hurt you, aggressive," Depp told Stern magazine. "My daughter is 4, my boy is 1. I'd like them to see America as a toy, a broken toy. Investigate it a little, check it out, get this feeling and then get out."
The project's developers and lawyers say jaws dropped when Depp's representatives brought the children into the case.
John Cotti, an attorney representing West Hollywood, said the representatives argued that "the kids would be playing on the lower terrace and that the wall" of the proposed four-story commercial building "would potentially be blocking their view."
Developer Joseph Emrani of Venice Investments, who is a partner in the project with his brother, Youdi Emrani, said he challenged Depp's representatives.
