Depp And Defamation, “I Lost Everything”
Amber Heard is trending on Twitter again, and it is not because she was cast in another Aquaman movie, promised $3.5 million dollars to a children’s hospital (and then never delivered), had a birthday, or did something amazing. She is trending because she is being sued. The trial officially started 10 days ago—on April 13th–in Virginia; it’s supposed to last a total of six weeks.
After being accused of domestic violence by his ex-wife, Johnny Depp claims that he lost everything. He lost roles in films he was cast for, he lost his reputation, he lost his self-worth; he is a survivor. Now, six years after the last accusation made against him, Depp is suing Heard for defamation.
Defamation, as defined by The Free Dictionary, is “any intentional false communication, either written or spoken, that harms a person's reputation; decreases the respect, regard, or confidence in which a person is held; or induces disparaging, hostile, or disagreeable opinions or feelings against a person.” There are two kinds of defamation: libel and slander.
As one would guess, libel defamation refers to written defamation and oral defamation refers to spoken defamation. In some cases, where the defamation has been both written and spoken (such as an Instagram post, text message, or email), an individual may be sued for both libel and oral defamation.
In this particular instance, Depp is suing his ex for libel defamation.
There are many key elements that could lead to legal and reputational punishment for Heard. According to one accusation, she threw a vodka bottle at Depp, which severed his middle finger. According to another, she “revenge pooped” on his side of the bed after one of just countless arguments. She was also accused of physically abusing Depp, provoking arguments, and denying him meds when he was going into withdrawal due to his detox.
In a clip released in court today, Depp can be heard saying he wanted to harm himself.
Many people have taken to Twitter to express their support for the actor, one Twitter user saying (in relation to the clip): “This was the point that she drove him to, and he’s reliving it all now. He deserved so much better. Hold him in your heart today, with all those who’ve suffered abuse.”
Another Twitter user gained over 4,000 likes with their tweet: “Finally the world can hear this. Amber Heard admitted to abusing Johnny Depp. Clear as day on tape!!!”
The emotional social media posts mirror our feelings about this trail, as it is dear to a lot of us. We have been witnessing Heard’s and Depp’s broken relationship progress for years, and now that this could wrap things up, many of us feel relieved and hopeful that there will be justice in the near future. I know I do.
Johnny Depp is a reminder that, although the road to recovery is tough and you may stumble along the way, it is not an impossible climb. Abuse in any form—physical, emotional, or mental abuse—is inexcusable, and those who have survived and endured that abuse deserve our utmost respect and consideration. I am proud of how far Depp has come, and how far he will go.