The judgment on Monday by London’s high court that the Sun was justified in describing Depp as a “wife-beater” has been welcomed by domestic abuse organisations and all those who campaign for the protection and rights of abused women.
The four-week libel trial was one of the most sensational celebrity trials to be held in London’s high court. It revealed intimate and often shocking details of a far from perfect life – images of a drunken Depp, Depp blacked out on the floor, Depp writing in blood on a wall, trashed properties and graphically abusive language in text messages to Heard - the court was made privy to all of this.
The trial has no doubt damaged the Pirates of the Caribbean star’s reputation extensively. However, his lawyers have said that he will most likely appeal the ruling.
In covering the case The Guardian noted that the “four-week trial exemplified tactics used to silence and discredit victims, according to domestic violence charities.”
Domestic abuse charity Refuge took to social media to applaud the verdict saying that they hope it sends “a very powerful message” to abusers. Lisa King the director of communications and external relations said:
.
‘This is an important ruling and one which we hope sends a very powerful message: Every single survivor of domestic abuse should be listened to and should be heard. No survivor should ever have her voice silenced. A common tactic used by perpetrators of domestic abuse is to repeatedly tell victims that no one will believe them – and to use power and control to try and silence them. What we have seen today is that power, fame and financial resources cannot be used to silence women. That is a welcome message for survivors of domestic abuse around the world. We stand in solidarity with #AmberHeard who has shown immense bravery in speaking up and speaking out.
.
One in four women will experience domestic abuse at some point in their lifetime – it is the most pressing issue facing women and girls. Domestic abuse is a crime and it is vital that it is treated with the seriousness it deserves. If you need support Refuge is here for you. We will believe you and you will be heard. You can call us free, 24 hours a day on 0808 2000 247, or visit www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk. You are not alone’
The actor sued The Sun newspaper’s publisher, News Group Newspapers (NGN), and its executive editor Dan Wootton over an article which labelled him a “wife-beater”.
Mr Justice Nicol dismissed his claim, saying NGN had proved what was in the article to be “substantially true”.
