One of the most famous star trials in the world, in which actor Johnny Depp faced off against his ex-wife, actress Amber Heard, in spring 2022 is the subject of a Netflix documentary. Here are 5 things we learn from the three episodes of Johnny Depp vs Amber Heard who tells this sad marriage saga.
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The members of the jury were not in the monastery
Contrary to popular belief, the jury was not stuck in four walls with no way out during the trial. When the court ordered them “not to read anything or talk to anyone about the case,” they would return home to their families and friends each evening with their phones and televisions. Sometimes there were even weeks between two sessions, giving them enough time to read the news and check the comments on social networks. It is doubtful whether Depp’s lawyers will assure that the members of the jury were not influenced by public opinion during the trial.
The extent of abuse in social networks
What is most staggering about this documentary, aside from the blatant violence the couple endured throughout their relationship, is the level of public excesses on social media during those six weeks of the trial. It’s sad to see all these people enjoying laughing, swearing and ridiculing Amber Heard in such grotesque ways on social media. It also explains that on TikTok, the short clips with excerpts of his testimony taken out of context have had a devastating impact of misinformation.
AFP
AFP
Amber Heard has received thousands of death threats
Amber Heard has received – and continues to receive – thousands of threats of rape, physical abuse (to her and her baby) and death since the article was published in The Sun newspaper in which she claimed to have been a victim of domestic violence still. The Pirates of the Caribbean actor received majority public support throughout the process. The phrase “I Stand With You” created by netizens in favor of Johnny Depp went viral on TikTok. #justiceforjohnnydepp has garnered 20 billion views compared to 77.5 million for #justiceforamberheard.
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Evidence that would incriminate Johnny Depp was not admitted in court
Some exhibits were deemed “inadmissible” by the judge and therefore not shown to the members of the jury. Among them were text messages from Johnny Depp’s assistant, Amber Heard, in which he wrote, “When I told him he hit you.” [Johnny Depp] cried.” Those documents ended up in the hands of members of the public, who requested (and paid for) them from the Virginia court.
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People have forgotten that behind this tragedy there were two people who suffered
In December 2022, the two parties agreed to settle the case. Amber Heard has agreed to pay her ex-husband $1 million and claims online abuse was a contributing factor. Despite this resolution, the Depp Heard saga continues to rage on social media, proving that people have forgotten that there are two people behind this drama, both of whom have suffered.
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– The documentary in three episodes Johnny Depp vs Amber Heard is available on Netflix. Some images from the process have been edited to allow their (contradictory) depictions to be displayed side-by-side for the first time.