Warning: this one is going to get very serious. I have some thoughts and feelings about the Johnny Depp/Amber Heard trial. If the subject matter is triggering for you, please take care of yourself. I promise the next one will be light and fun.
I will begin this week by saying I do not normally follow celebrity news, but I’ve been a huge fan of Johnny Depp since I can remember being a fan of anything. I also have a lot of heated feelings regarding the details of this case. With that in mind, buckle in, folks. It’s gonna be a bumpy ride.
Our story begins with the #MeToo movement and an op-ed. In ye olden times before a hashtag started a movement, women generally kept silent because 1) no one would listen, so why bother? And 2) worst case scenario it could jeopardize their careers, especially in the entertainment industry. Just look at how many women came forward in the Harvey Weinstein case and said they feared he would blacklist them. The #MeToo movement was a good thing. I’m glad we listen to women tell their stories. I also wish we didn’t stop there.
The catchphrase became “believe all women” when it should have been “believe all victims”. Not only does the latter include nonbinary people, it also allows that men can be victims too. Enter the current trial.
When Heard first accused Depp of abuse it wasn’t the full and immediate cancellation of his career we probably would have seen if it happened today. But after the UK trial went in her favor, his career did take a more noticeable hit. The big thing I will highlight is his removal from the Fantastic Beasts franchise. (Really that whole franchise and JKR should be canceled, but that’s an article for a different day). I admittedly don’t have an exact timeline, although there are plenty of other articles who will gladly give you the deets. I do know that at the time Warner Brothers let him go it had become public knowledge that he claimed she had committed abuses towards him.
Whether or not he is guilty is not the subject of this article or my place to decide. Where I’m going with this is that it is unfair for him to be let go based on her accusations but her career continues to thrive despite similar allegations against her. WB just recently said they were “reducing her screentime” in the upcoming Aquaman 2. Reduced screentime is not the same as being let go. If the precedent is an accusation gets you fired, then fire her. Either recast her or remove the character from the film. Yes, it would complicate and delay the film, but make the tough choice. Show men who are victims of abuse that they’ll be believed too. Because everyone who is in a toxic and dangerous relationship should be able to come forward and find help in their time of need.
I hope this trial doesn’t discourage others from coming forward with their own stories. If you’re in a dangerous relationship, there are people who will help. This has been an extreme and public case, but that doesn’t mean it always has to be. Don’t be scared to stand up for yourself when your physical or mental well-being is at risk.
Thank you for allowing me a moment to focus on such a serious topic. I try to be a source of entertainment, but some things are too important to stay silent. We’ll return next week with a music review. It’ll be just like the good old days. Until then: stay safe, take your meds, and don’t forget to hydrate.