I think Depp thinks if you create great art you're allowed to do absolutely anything you want to the lesser, not-as-human serfs below you. I think that is what motivates pretty much everyone who supports Polanski, in fact. Some people are important and worthwhile. Other people aren't and are just put here for the important and worthwhile people to use however they wish.

It's an aristocracy. The lord isn't supposed to go around raping other aristocrats, but raping the milkmaid is not only perfectly fine, it's encouraged.