Johnny and Amber’s Explosive Defamation Trial Shocks the World

If you aren’t already familiar with the case, Johnny Depp is suing Amber Heard, his ex-wife, for $50 million over a 2018 op-ed she wrote for The Washington Post. In the article, Heard claimed to be a “public figure representing domestic abuse.” Heard never name-dropped Depp throughout the course of the article; however, Depp is arguing that it cost him his reputation and his acting career. The trial started on April 11 and is set to last six weeks. 

First things first, what exactly is “defamation?” According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, defamation is “the act of communicating false statements about a person that injure the reputation of that person.” The general harm caused by defamation is identified as being ridiculed, shamed, hated, scorned, belittled or held in contempt by others. Additionally, it can lower an individual in the esteem of a reasonably prudent person, due to the communication of the false statement. This can further result in a lawsuit for damages. Cue, Captain Jack Sparrow! 

Depp and Heard met in 2009 through the filming of “The Rum Diary”. They got married in 2015 but quickly divorced in 2016, both accusing the other of acts of physical violence during their relationship. Depp and Heard have both continuously denied the other’s claims. 

In 2016, Heard claimed that Depp was "verbally and physically abusive" to her, according to a complaint she filed that year, alleging Depp bruised her face after throwing a phone at her in their Los Angeles home. Depp denied the allegation and was not charged with any crime. Depp testified during the trial that the couple frequently argued but said, "Never did I myself reach the point of striking Ms. Heard in any way nor have I ever struck any woman in my life." Audio recordings of some of their heated exchanges have been played in court, including one in which Heard discussed striking Depp. 

Heard's attorney, Ben Rottenborn, introduced several text messages Depp sent to Heard as evidence. One of the texts referenced Heard's "rotting corpse.” Depp testified he was "embarrassed" by the messages read in court and said he uses "dark humor" at times to express himself.

Of course, there are two sides to every story, but several influential celebrities have actually started publicly declaring whose side they’re on. The latest to take Depp's side is Jason Momoa, who worked with Heard on a few occasions, such as in the Aquaman movie. Other famous celebrities who have backed Depp include Penelope Cruz, Javier Bardem, Sia, JK Rowling and Paul Bettany. Amanda de Cadenet, James Franco and Elon Musk showcased their support and solidarity to Heard by retweeting several message posts last Monday. 

Depp and his lawyers are seeking to reclaim the narrative after all these years. Depp declared that Heard stood in the way of almost every positive move in his life during their time together, and that he is the victim of domestic abuse, not Heard.