Lily-Rose Depp sparks ‘shock, disgust and sadness’ after wearing cleft lip prosthesis in new horror film, as charities express fears it reinforces negative notions about the birth defect

Photos of Lily-Rose Depp sporting a cleft lip prosthetic on the set of her new horror film have sparked reactions from the cleft palate community and several major charities.

The actress, 26, was first seen filming medieval horror Werwulf on a specially built set in Bourne Wood, Surrey, at the weekend.

In contrast to her usual glamorous outfits, Lily-Rose wore a 13th century-era costume consisting of a shapeless brown apron and a burgundy scarf, while holding a swaddled baby.

But the most eye-catching part of her look for the film was that the Idol star was seen wearing prosthetics to look like she had a cleft lip.

Cleft lip or palate occurs when parts of a baby’s face do not come together properly during development in the womb, leaving a space in the roof of the mouth, lip, or both.

The use of the birth defect as part of a horror film character’s makeup has sparked outrage, with non-profit organization Smile Train and British charity Cleft Lip & Palate Association (CLAPA) releasing statements to express their disappointment.

Smile Train – which provides free, comprehensive cleft care, including surgery, for children – took to Instagram to share its concerns that the film would reinforce stereotypes and negative notions about the disorder.

On their official Instagram, they wrote: “In 2026, the film Werwulf is set to be released and we discovered that the main character appears to have a cleft.

‘The title “Werwulf” comes from an old German folk term meaning “wolf-man”. While creative interpretations of folklore can be powerful, this combination raises concerns.

‘Historically, “wolf lip” was an old German and Russian term for cleft lip, associating the condition with werewolf mythology and other negative connotations.

“At Smile Train, we understand how strongly facial representation can influence public perception. Associating a character with a cleft, especially within a narrative linked to potentially harmful images, can unintentionally reinforce stereotypes that people with clefts have long worked to overcome.”

They explained that they were contacting the production to find out how the craving would be represented in the film, as they pointed out its potential to be harmful to those with a craving.

Smile Train said: “We believe storytellers have an important responsibility to consider how facial differences are portrayed and how these choices affect real individuals and communities.

“We will be reaching out to the film’s creative team to learn more and hope this can become an opportunity for education and positive dialogue.”

The use of the birth defect as part of a horror film character’s makeup has sparked outrage, with non-profit organization Smile Train and British charity Cleft Lip & Palate Association (CLAPA) releasing statements to express their disappointment.

See also  'Zootopia 2' achieves an impressive feat in China and could break historic records

Smile Train took to Instagram to share their concerns that the film would reinforce stereotypes and negative notions about the disorder.

On Wednesday, CLAPA – a national charity that supports people born with a cleft and their families in the UK – also posted photos of Lily-Rose and shared their fears about the film’s impact on the community.

They wrote: “As a UK charity that represents and advocates for people born with a cleft, we are deeply concerned by the recent coverage surrounding the upcoming film Werwulf.

‘New images showing Lily-Rose Depp wearing a cracked prosthesis have caused real distress in our community.’

They continued: “We don’t yet know how this choice fits into the film’s story, but we’ll be reaching out to the production to understand their approach – and to offer guidance where needed.

“What we do know is that some of the public and media reaction has been deeply disappointing. The comments made about the prosthetic cleft reveal how easily outdated attitudes resurface when reporting lacks care, accuracy and respect.

“The media shapes public perception and some of what we have seen falls far below acceptable standards. We will be monitoring coverage closely and challenging irresponsible reporting wherever it appears.

CLAPA concluded the statement: “This is not a statement we expected to issue in 2025. It is a stark reminder of how far society still has to go in understanding and respecting visible differences.

‘To our cleft community: we are here. If you need someone to talk to or want support, visit clapa.com.’

The posts generated a flood of supportive comments, with many admitting they were “disgusted” and “deeply hurt” by the use of the prosthetic, and declaring that “a slit is not a prop.”

Posts from Smile Train and CLAPA generated a flood of supportive comments, with many admitting they were “disgusted” and “deeply hurt” by the use of the prosthesis, and declaring that “a slit is not a prop.”

Those within the community insisted that the film was ‘demonizing’ people’s differences and would make fissures seen as something shameful or scary, commenting that it felt like ‘we’re back in the Stone Age’.

They commented: ‘The state of the world is truly terrible!! As a father with a craving, I am deeply hurt by what I read. I really worry about my son’s future with comments like that.’;

“I was shocked, disgusted and equally saddened to read some of the articles about this new film. A rift is not a prop and I am also intrigued to know how this will play out. Education is necessary, our children’s differences are unique and certainly should not be demonized.’;

‘Extremely disappointing and shows great ignorance’; ‘This is so sad. My son is a teenager and has a cleft and portraying people with clefts in this way is like going back to the Stone Age’;

‘Also, if having a character with a cleft lip was important, then why not find an actor with a cleft lip in real life instead of creating a fake one for another actor?’;

‘Wow, it definitely feels like we’re back in the stone age. Directors and producers should be ashamed of themselves. They clearly didn’t do any research. Any other disorder used in this way would cause great uproar.’;

‘I have no words for this. I have a craving and have been lucky enough to never be ridiculed, as far as I know. Seeing this is really hurtful and insulting, as if having a craving is something to be ashamed of and other people to be afraid of’;

‘Extremely disappointing but not surprising as Hollywood seems to shout the loudest about equity and inclusion but lacks real application in practice. Stay strong, fellow clefties. ❤️❤️’

According to the Mayo Clinic, children with clefts face a variety of challenges, depending on the type and severity of the cleft.

This includes feeding, because although babies with a cleft lip can still breastfeed, the cleft palate makes it difficult for the newborn to suck.

They are also at risk of developing hearing loss and serious dental problems if the gap passes through the gums. Children may have difficulty speaking as the roof of the mouth is used to make sounds.

However, in developing countries, children with cleft lip and/or palate may be excluded from their communities.

Smile Train claims that those who do not receive treatment for their condition are left with physical difficulties and live isolated in parts of the world where care is not easily accessible. As a result, many do not attend school nor are they able to hold down a job later in life.

The psychological effects are not just limited to children – parents also feel ashamed and rejected because of their child’s birth defect.

Cleft lip or palate occurs when parts of a baby’s face do not come together properly during development in the womb, leaving a gap in the roof of the mouth, lip or both (stock photo)

Several famous people born with the condition include Oscar-winning actor Joaquin Phoenix (pictured), NFL quarterback Peyton Manning and Carmen Bachar of the Pussycat Dolls.

However, those with a cleft palate and/or lips should not feel that their birth defect will prevent them from living.

Several famous people born with the condition include Oscar-winning actor Joaquin Phoenix, NFL quarterback Peyton Manning and Carmen Bachar of the girl group Pussycat Dolls.

Werwulf is being directed by Robert Eggers, who also directed Lily-Rose in his last film, Nosferatu, which was nominated for four Oscars.

The star-studded cast also includes colleagues Nosferatu star Willem Dafoe, who was also seen filming in medieval costume while riding a horse, was also seen filming in medieval attire while riding a horse, as was Aaron Taylor-Johnson.

The film is set in a remote village in 13th century England, which is stalked by a mysterious creature.

Other scenes in the film are being filmed on Dartmoor, where medieval-style buildings and farms have been erected.