Lunar | Social media trial of Amber Heard by Johnny Depp fans devastating for those facing domestic violence
- The defamation trial involving the two actors triggered a social media firestorm which will have a profound impact on whether survivors of domestic abuse come forward with their stories in the future
As the trial progressed, the case, which involved allegations of domestic violence, took on a disturbing form on social media, which will have a profound impact on whether survivors of domestic abuse come forward with their stories in the future.
Saying that social media shaped public opinion of this trial would be an understatement. Social media algorithms ensured our feeds were filled with fan-made compilations of the trial, which was live-streamed after the judge in Virginia allowed cameras in the courtroom.
Initially, many of these clips were about how “funny and entertaining” Depp’s responses to Heard’s lawyer were. “You would sometimes drink whiskey in the mornings too, right?” the lawyer is heard asking in one clip. “Isn’t it happy hour anytime?” Depp answers.
Then, the “Jack Sparrow run” challenge – in which people recreated the comical sprint of the character Depp played in the Pirates of the Caribbean film – appeared on TikTok. Pictures of Depp in his 20s began to make the rounds on the internet again, with some describing him as “ageing like fine wine”.
