Johnny Depp trial speaks to Australia’s shameful culture

Those glued to the Johnny Depp-Amber Heard trial have missed something significant that speaks to Australia’s culture.

OPINION

Like many people, I’ve found myself consumed by the Amber Heard/Johnny Depp defamation trial. Not just what is happening within the trial but rather the commentary surrounding the trial.

And the commentary is screaming at me that people just don’t believe women.

I’m talking about the hateful comments I’m reading on Facebook threads and Instagram posts, pleading Depp’s innocence and condemning Heard.

Then there are the TikTok videos that are villainising Heard; some are even acting out her allegations to disprove them.

Seriously have a scroll for yourself; you’ll be met with Heard being called everything from a “liar” to a “heartless b*tch”. Those are some of the nicer comments.

The internet is alive with videos and memes mocking Amber Heard and praising Johnny Depp. Picture: Jim LO Scalzo/AFP

In Australia alone, 18 women have died this year due to domestic violence incidents, and it’s not even June.

Meanwhile, TikTok is now filled with videos of people re-enacting Heard’s testimony on allegations that Depp slapped her across the face – in an effort to disprove it.

It’s uncomfortable when I put it like that, isn’t it?

Evidence showing pictures of US actor Amber Heard appear on a screen during a defamation trial at the Fairfax County Circuit Courthouse in Fairfax, Virginia, on May 5. Picture: Jim Lo Scalzo/AFP

Johnny Depp is suing ex-wife Amber Heard after she wrote an op-ed in The Washington Post in 2018 referring to herself as a public figure representing domestic abuse. Picture: Jim Lo Scalzo/AFP

I don’t think we can pretend the hatred Heard has incited doesn’t say something about our culture. It’s not a coincidence that we have a domestic violence epidemic in Australia and then Heard, who is currently the most public face of alleged domestic violence claims, is being mocked and ridiculed online by Australians.

This is happening even after Heard’s legal team produced video proof of Depp having destructive tantrums and sending nasty messages about Heard where he jokes about raping her. He actually typed the words he wanted to, “burn” her. How are we OK with this?

When women die at the hands of domestic violence, everyone likes to act shocked.

People talk endlessly about how wrong it is, how they don’t know anyone capable of such a thing, and there’s a general sense of confusion and concern that this keeps happening.

Particularly when everyone so firmly declares they’d do anything to help women in these situations.

The questions are the same. Why don’t these women leave? Are there not enough support services? Who wouldn’t believe them?

But surely Heard’s current position answers these questions. Yes, she’s a privileged white movie star, but even her allegations are met with contempt. Why? Because she’s saying something bad about a likeable man.

Think about the reporting surrounding women who have died at the hands of a romantic male partner. Currently, Melbourne’s Adam Brown is being accused of murdering his wife, Chen Cheng. The fact he is a well-liked Deakin University lecturer keeps being brought up in coverage surrounding the case.

As if his social standing, should somehow prove his innocence. Can you not see the direct correlation in Heard and Depp’s case? Somehow Depp’s likability is treated like an indication of his innocence.

Online, people are referencing the fact he visited children’s hospitals as a reason he isn’t capable of domestic violence but truthfully neither have anything to do with each other.

Actor Johnny Depp waves as he departs at the end of the day of a defamation trial at the Fairfax County Circuit Courthouse, Virginia, on May 5, 2022. Picture: Jim Lo Scalzo/AFP

It’s impossible for the reaction to Heard’s allegations to be anything but incredibly distressing for women currently in domestic violence situations.

Domestic violence advocate and speaker Jas Rawlinson agrees, saying: “It is mind-boggling that the intimate details of this case are being live-streamed and shared worldwide in the way in which they are. What should be a very serious case has been turned into entertainment, mockery, and clickbait.

“Clients and friends of mine who are survivors of domestic violence and who have also experienced the added trauma of post-separation abuse through the court system are being re-traumatised by the very public airing of this case.

“Regardless of whether Heard or Depp are/aren’t guilty of the allegations that they are each accusing each other of, the coverage of the legal case has become so steeped in hatred, vilification and mockery that, at this point, I find it incredibly unhelpful for survivors.”

Hatred and disbelief of Heard’s allegations send a clear message to other women.

Most of us don’t marry an acclaimed movie star, but historically the men we do marry often have more power and authority in the wider world than the women they abuse. These men can also be charming and disarming.

The Depp/Heard trial tells ordinary women they might not be believed, that they could be mocked and ridiculed and their claims could easily be tossed aside.

Because it’s easy to vilify women, to label them shrewish or hysterical and downright unlikeable, while the men who abuse them, holding all the right cards in their hands; confidence, money, power and charm, garner widespread support.

Mary Madigan is a freelance writer.

Originally published as Johnny Depp trial speaks to Australia’s shameful culture