Johnny Depp Trial against Amber Heard: he easily won public opinion

opinion

It was two surprise performances in a row that made headlines: Johnny Depp performed with guitarist Jeff Buck at concerts in Great Britain – in front of an enthusiastic audience. The actor had traveled from the USA, where the jury’s decision in his spectacular trial against his ex-wife Amber Heard is expected at any time. Why does Depp get on stage and cheer during such a dirt battle? Quite simply: because he can. Because no matter how things turn out: In public, Depp has long been the winner. And that has several reasons.

Every week, his fans besieged the courthouse in Virginia for hours, supporting him with chants and “We love you, Johnny” posters. However, the biggest wave of solidarity for Depp rolls on the net. Countless social media accounts have specialized in exploiting the process – overwhelmingly at Amber Heard’s expense. Because Johnny Depp knew how to serve his fans. It was he who insisted that the trial be publicly broadcast by cameras. This quickly worked in his favour. His signature role, Jack Sparrow, was always present in the hall and caused laughter.

Johnny Depp makes Jack Sparrow dance for his fans

Depp wasn’t too bad to play this card to the full: A dry comment here, a “Pirates of the Caribbean” reference there, with a casual Hollywood grin in between. A nice side effect for him: His actually frightening statements about his threats and alcohol and drug excesses seemed so almost harmless, a pirate just drinks one to the thirst. And because Depp treated the process like a big entertainment show, so did the viewers, who searched the live broadcasts on the net by the millions and commented on them like a very exclusive reality show. Funny memes and TikTok movies could be made from Depp’s gags and reactions on social networks – from Amber Heard’s tears or her dogged facial expression it was more bullying material.

Another reason: money. Who can afford the best lawyers, who extensive searches for experts? Whoever has the money has the power. And it is clear that Depp is in a much better financial position than Heard.

Amber Heard’s downside: When in doubt, for the man

And then there’s the simplest reason Depp had an easy time in public: Amber Heard is a woman. And when push comes to shove, even in today’s alleged #MeToo era, the public sticks to the famous rich man. Because hundreds of years of internalized misogyny don’t end with one or two convicted extreme offenders like Weinstein or Cosby. Heard was quickly labeled in the usual roles of a greedy slut and a crazy ex with a thirst for recognition. Also because she doesn’t fit into the misconception of the humble, humble victim of domestic violence.

Ironically, it is precisely this double standard that has led to Heard and Depp being back in court at all: In 2018, Heard wrote an article in the “Washington Post” about the sexist reactions she felt after the divorce. The title: “I fought against sexual violence – and got the anger of our society. That has to change.” Depp sued for defamation, Heard filed a counterclaim – and now a jury is to judge. There’s one thing Amber Heard was right about: She, not Depp, gets the wrath. Depp’s victory over public opinion proved this vividly.