A lot of you probably aren’t keeping up with the Johnny Depp and Amber Heard case. Which is okay cause what am I here for if not to keep you updated on stuff you probably don’t care about but would read because I’m such a good writer?
You’re welcome. *Tips hat.
If you’re chronically indifferent to pop culture and don’t even know who the people I’m referring to are, don’t worry, I got you. Emikaysblog is for all.
Remember this dude from Pirates of the Caribbean that was always drinking rum? Well, this is Johnny Depp.
And this babe from Aquaman? Well, this is Amber Heard.
Johnny and Amber got married in 2015. Fifteen months later, Amber filed for a divorce and got a temporary restraining order based on physical abuse. Johnny denied all allegations but agreed to pay $7 million in the divorce settlement. In 2019, Johnny brought a $50 million defamation suit against Amber after she published an op-ed in The Washington Post. He alleged that the post cost him his career as he was dropped from his role in Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, among other film franchises he had previously been in.
So that’s the basic tea. Currently, Johnny and Amber are in an ongoing court trial meant to last six weeks. And let me tell you guys, I have watched over 20 videos on the ongoing case and it’s a wonder that a verdict hasn’t already been reached. Maybe I don’t quite understand how the whole justice system works, but the amount of evidence against Amber is just overwhelming. There’s literally audio of this babe admitting to physically abusing Johnny. Now if the same amount of evidence were brought against Johnny instead of Amber, I can imagine the sheer uproar that social media would be in currently.
When Amber Heard accused Johnny of domestic abuse, he literally lost everything. Friends, his reputation, acting credibility, all of a sudden he was tagged as a “wife-beater” and what was her evidence? A few pictures of a bruised face on Instagram, which is now alleged to have been done with makeup.
We live in a society that is so quick to judge men negatively. It’s almost like every guy accused of something is guilty until proven innocent. Which is a bullshit narrative because the same energy isn’t maintained when it comes to women. This Johnny Depp’s situation really broke my heart. This is a man whose only sin was getting in bed with a toxic, violent, and over-the-scale narcissistic woman. And it cost him so much. He just wants his life back.
“…tell the world, Johnny, tell them, Johnny Depp, I Johnny Depp, a man. I’m a victim too of domestic violence and see how many people believe or side with you.” Snippet from a recorded conversation between Amber Heard and Johnny Depp.
More than anything, I’m grateful for the fact that Johnny spoke up. And I really hope that this becomes one of the times that the justice system actually does its job and he wins this case.
There is no “good” gender or “bad” gender. There are only good people and bad people, and I really hope this case opens the eyes of society to that. Amber took advantage of the fact that we live in a society where a woman can just come out and accuse a guy- another human being with a life of his own, with family and people that care about him– without proper evidence, no witnesses, just vibes and inshallah, and it will be carried like it’s the gospel truth.
The most vexing aspect is that there are genuine people out there who are being wronged in this way. But when they, in turn, speak up, they’re not taken as seriously because some simpletons have decided to lie about this kind of stuff for clout. Like how sick in the brain do you have to be to not see that what you’re doing is absolutely evil?
What are you? The devil’s incarnate?
If Johnny didn’t stand up for himself and speak up Amber would have definitely gotten away with the farce she concocted. I really hope more men key into that bravery and speak up for themselves when they’re being shortchanged in any way. If you don’t speak up for yourself no one will.
One thing I learned from this case also, and this is just a bit of advice: If you’re being abused in any form, as a woman or man, don’t keep it to yourself. Even if you aren’t brave enough to come forward yet document pieces of evidence, cause one day you just have to speak up for yourself. Take pictures, videos, and audio recordings confronting your abuser. Involve someone, a close friend, a trusted family member, someone that can come forward for you when the need arises. Don’t die in silence. These were the things that actually helped Johnny.
And lastly, there is no “genuine” reason to remain in an abusive relationship. Not religion, not “what will people think,” not your standing in society, not your public image. This is your life we’re talking about here, your happiness, why would anything be worth giving that up?
This piece is dedicated to my yearning for equality in all ramifications.
Till next time,
Emike.