Defamation Trial: Different strokes for Johnny Depp and Amber Rose

After the trial in the defamtion suit he lodged against his former wife Amber Rose ended on Wednesday 1 June, Johnny Depp took to Instagram to thank the jury and discuss his happiness with the result. The post has been liked by many celebrities and currently has attracted more than fifteen million likes.

In his post he said that he was motivated to bring the case forward after his life, “the life of my children, the lives of those closest to me,” changed after Heard’s article was published by The Washington Post. Depp described the accusations as “false,” “very serious,” and “criminal” and that after they were made it “triggered an endless barrage of hateful content.”

The post has received over sixteen million likes and Depp has received support from many Hollywood actors, musicians, and other celebrities including Jennifer Aniston, Hailey Bieber, and Naomi Campbell.

Heard responds to the verdict

Heard has also voiced her opinions over the decision saying that she is very “disappointed” and worries what the impacts could be for other women who come forward to speak out against their domestic abusers.

Heard’s post has received far less support, with the actress noting that in part, her voice was not able to break through the “disproportionate power and influence of her ex-husband.”

Media literacy surrounding the trial described as “abhorrent”

After the verdict was announced many people on Twitter have come out to express their disgust and frustration with the way the trial was televised, leading the case to be sensationalized. Rather than a fair trial, many see this case as having taken place in the court of public opinion. All nuance in the discussion on domestic violence was lost and the complexities of the clearly toxic and violent relationship between the actors were pushed aside for clicks and views.

NBC culture and tech report, Kat Tenbarge, tweeted about the lack of media literacy that surrounded the trial saying “most people, even if they say they did, DID NOT watch the trial. […] watched TikToks and YouTube videos, most of which were biased for a clear economic purpose.”

Throughout her research, Tenbarge began to notice that the economically viable position on the trial was to side with Depp and those who acted in a neutral way were seen as favoring Heard and thus took the risk of losing followers. (Agency Reports)