Featured Image Credit: Alamy
Topics: Domestic Abuse, Celebrity, Johnny Depp
Emily Brown
Amber Heard has described Johnny Depp's win in his defamation trial as a 'setback' for women.
The Aquaman actor shared her thoughts on the verdict in a post on social media after it was determined that Depp would be awarded more than $10 million when the jury agreed he had been defamed by Heard.
Heard was also awarded $2m in damages for her own defamation countersuit which related to statements made by Depp's attorney Adam Waldman, who had commented: "Amber Heard and her friends in the media used fake sexual violence allegations as both sword and shield, depending on their needs. They have selected some of her sexual violence hoax 'facts' as the sword, inflicting them on the public and Mr. Depp."
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The jury determined Heard's legal team had proved some, but not all, of the defamation claims in her suit, meaning she was not granted anywhere near the $100m she had been seeking.
In her statement, Heard described the disappointment she felt following the verdict as being 'beyond words'.
She claimed the verdict held a lot of weight for other women, writing: "It sets back the clock to a time when a woman who spoke up and spoke out could be publicly shamed and humiliated. It sets back the idea that violence against women is to be taken seriously."
Heard's claims that she was a victim of abuse began before the 2018 op-ed that led to Depp's lawsuit; in 2016 she obtained a temporary restraining order against Depp as she claimed he had physically abused her during their relationship.
The actor is not alone in fearing the verdict could have negative consequences for victims of domestic abuse, with many social media users also voicing concerns over whether the verdict may make victims reluctant to come forward.
As the verdict was announced, domestic abuse charity Refuge tweeted: "Our message to survivors of domestic abuse tonight is clear: if you need support, Refuge is here for you, round the clock. We will believe you and we will support you. You are not alone."
Sharing the post, another Twitter user commented: "Whatever your thoughts about Johnny Depp and Amber Heard, I feel this is a sad day for victims of abuse. I fear they’ll be even more reluctant to come forward; scared to be ridiculed, to not be believed. If you or anyone you know needs support then Refuge can help."
Heard continued her statement to claim the verdict had led her to believe she had lost a 'right' she thought she had as an American, 'to speak freely and openly'.