I haven’t paid much attention to the Johnny Depp/Amber Heard saga this past couple of weeks, though I have noticed several people posting about it on social media.
The overwhelming majority of those coming out in favor of Johnny Depp are women.
So much for #believewomen and #metoo, amiright?
Now, I, like literally every one of these women fawning over Depp, haven’t the slightest clue about his private life, his behavior off camera, or even off of the movie sets. We also know nothing about Amber Heard, who could very well be an awful person.
What we do know — or should know — by now, is an actor’s portrayal on screen or in the public eye is not always who they are. All I have to do is say, “Bill Cosby,” and that will shut up anyone whoever thought that the character someone plays mirrors their character (or lack there of) in real life.
Amber Heard made some strong claims of abuse against Johnny Depp, so he sued her for libel and put the trial on display.
From what I have read, Amber is a troubled person, and doesn’t fit the “perfect victim” narrative. She certainly contributed in many ways to what appears to have been a volatile relationship.
But, you don’t have to be “perfect” to be a victim.
In recordings shared during the trial, Depp is heard saying some truly vile things, and in a now public text, he shared how he would “f—k her burnt corpse.” I don’t care if he claims he was joking, that is a truly messed up way to talk about someone.
The thing is, Heard very well may have harmed Depp, and her behavior should not be excused, again, she is not the perfect victim.
However, abuse is about power and a person exerting that over someone else. In every sense of the word, Depp had the power in this relationship. He is first and foremost a man, who is physically stronger than Heard. He also dominates by way of fame, connections and finances. As shown by the overwhelming support he gets on social media I mentioned earlier, he even has the power in that space.
He is the victim of bad choices, of drug addiction, of the consequences of fame, and of falling for the wrong people.
But, a victim of domestic abuse?
That’s a bit of a stretch for me.
I realize what I wrote will rub a lot of people the wrong way. Johnny Depp is held in such high regard and few can imagine him doing anything out of line.
I will remind you that we don’t know him.
He is not the man from his movies.
He is not a charming weirdo, or beautiful drifter, or boisterous pirate.
He is not Willy Wonka or the Mad Hatter.
He is not an undercover cop, a demonic barber, or a quirky lizard.
He’s not f-king Gilbert Grape.
Johnny Depp is an actor whose job requires him to pretend. As much as we all want to fantasize about him being just like all those incredible characters, the truth is, they are just that, characters. They are not real.
As I said, I don’t know anything about his personal life, so I won’t rush to judge him and make claims about his behavior.
And, I suggest you do the same.