Five months after the trial between Johnny Depp and Amber Heard, 130 American feminist personalities and organizations come together to support the actress. In an open letter broadcast on Wednesday by NBC News, they take the floor to denounce the “harassment” of which the star ofaquaman was a victim, and they are concerned about the repercussions of this lawsuit on victims of domestic violence.
Amber Heard and Johnny Depp sued each other for defamation. During the seven weeks of this trial that fascinated the entire world last spring, the ex-spouses accused each other of domestic violence multiplying the lurid anecdotes, and the actress was the target of violent attacks on social networks. The Fairfax court returned a majority verdict in favor of Johny Depp in June: he will have to pay her $2 million, against $10.35 million for her.
“The verdict in the defamation lawsuit between Johnny Depp and Amber Heard has professionals in the field of intimate relationships and sexual violence deeply concerned,” can be read in this column co-signed by Gloria Steinem, an American figure of feminism, as well as the Women’s March or the National Organization of Women.
“Disinformation, misogyny, biphobia”
“The smears against Amber Heard and the relentless online harassment of her and her followers have been of unprecedented magnitude and violence,” the signatories add.
“Much of this harassment stemmed from misinformation, misogyny, biphobia, and a commercial climate on social media, where allegations of domestic violence and sexual assault were mocked for entertainment purposes,” the statement continued. “The same misinformation and victim-blaming habit is now working against others who have made allegations of abuse.”
Two races, two measures
And to fear “incalculable consequences”: “We are deeply concerned by the increasing use of defamation lawsuits to threaten survivors and silence them.” They conclude by condemning “the ridicule of Amber Heard” and “showing her support”: “We support the right of all people to report sexual and partner violence to be free from harassment and intimidation.”
Amber Heard is currently preparing her appeal trial. She hired a new legal team last August. Johnny Depp, on the other hand, may be enjoying a comeback after years of being persona non grata in Hollywood. He will play Louis XV in Maïwenn’s next film, he made an appearance at the last MTV VMAs ceremony, he has just signed a joint album with Jeff Beck and make a film about Modiglianico-produced with Al Pacino.
Source: BFM TV
