A British court ruled Monday against Johnny Depp in his libel case against the owner of The Sun tabloid newspaper. Depp sued News Group Newspapers, publisher of The Sun, and the newspaper’s executive editor, Dan Wootton, over an April 2018 article that accused him of assaulting his wife, Amber Heard.
Justice Andrew Nicol, the judge in charge of the separate case between Amber Heard and Johnny Depp, stated that the defendants had proved that what they published was “substantially true.” After the result was released, The Sun stated that the judge’s decision was a “stunning victory for press freedom.”
Meanwhile, Amber Heard’s legal team said that the verdict “was not a surprise”. After the judge confirmed that 12 episodes of domestic violence had occurred, Heard’s legal team stated that more evidence will be released in the future.
The three time Oscar nominee is now facing scrutiny as a result over the British court ruling which may affect his current court battle against Heard over her assault accusations.
However, Depp’s legal team may appeal against the judge’s decision, citing the dismissal of the case as ‘perverse’ and ‘bewildering.’ Other than the suit against The Sun, the actor is suing Heard for $50 million over a Washington Post op-ed article that she wrote about her experience being abused.
The trial is due next year as it was delayed due to COVID-19.
Depp and Heard’s rocky relationship is not unknown. After meeting on set in 2011 for The Rum Diary, the two married four years later and divorced in 2017. Throughout their relationship, Heard said that Depp has abused her constantly, while Depp stated that Heard was the aggressor. Moreover, Depp said that Heard had hit him, severing the tip of his finger while filming the Pirates of the Caribbean movie.
You can find an updated timeline between Depp and Heard’s legal battle here.
As predicted, Twitter is unsure of what to think. Some are arguing that the case was unfair for Johnny Depp, as the judge neglected to hear his reasons and overlook evidence that was provided in his other court case against Heard.
Some are even re-releasing leaked audio of Heard taunting Depp and allegedly abusing him to make a point.
Meanwhile others are saying that Amber Heard should be supported and heard, for standing up to herself in a mentally and physically-taxing situation.
It’s important to note that this court ruling does not confirm that Johnny Depp did abuse Amber Heard. They are simply saying the statement Johnny Depp is a “wifebeater” is not damaging to him personally.
Regardless of the outcome, we all know that abuse is not okay. Violence between two partners in a relationship are mentally and physically damaging, leading to lowered self-esteem and trust within others. Although the trial between Deep and Heard is still ongoing, we should never ignore the silent effects of abuse. What are your thoughts on the British Court’s decision? Let us know in the comments.
Featured image via GabboT / CC BY-SA
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