House Republicans Bizarrely Gloat After Johnny Depp Verdict

[iemanja]

after a stomach-churning six-week defamation trial in which actors Amber Heard and Johnny Depp lobbed horrifying allegations of domestic and sexual abuse against each other, a jury ruled in favor of Depp, ordering her to pay millions in damages for having defamed him in a 2018 op-ed. Mere minutes after the verdict was announced, Republicans on the U.S. House Judiciary Committee tweeted a gif of Depp from his movie Pirates of the Caribbean from their official account, seemingly in support of the actor.

Yes, elected members of the Judiciary Committee—which oversees the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security and weighs in on some of the most important issues facing the country—took a very clear side in a celebrity trial in which the man who won (regardless of the merits on the defamation issue) admitted to having sent a friend the following texts about Heard: [See texts at link.]
She also accused him of having sexually assaulted her with a liquor bottle.

Of course, Depp made some disturbing claims about Heard too, including that she severed his finger and defecated on his bed. Regardless of what happened or what the jury decided here, it’s wildly inappropriate and disgusting for a Congressional committee to gloat about the outcome of the trial with a pirate gif, or really to weigh in at all! And of course, had Heard won the trial and not Depp, the GOP would almost certainly have stayed quiet.

The verdict of this very public trial gives people fuel to call all women liars when they speak out about sexual assault or domestic abuse. It will almost certainly enable more abuse, as journalist David Rothkopf noted:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/movies/celebrity/house-republicans-bizarrely-gloat-after-johnny-depp-verdict/ar-AAXYHBG

https://jezebel.com/house-republicans-bizarrely-gloat-after-johnny-depp-ver-1849003829

Leave it to Republicans to make a sensational trial even more sensational.

[Thomas Hurt]

1. Depp is the white male hero of the christofascists in this situation. Heard the woman making false..

allegations, right out of their favorite rape enabler M.O.

Not to mention suing for defamation is the latest christofascist spectator sport. Seeing as they are all victims of untold conspiracies and plots.

fn whackjobs.

[Demsrule86]

26. Well, Amber Heard did lie and admitted to abusing Depp in court. So it is OK for her to do that?

I don't think so. She hurt Me Too...not Depp. He had a right to expose her lies and get his life back.

[Thomas Hurt]

28. What in my comment makes you think I was taking either Depp or Heard's side in this media circus.

[LakeArenal]

2. "The verdict of this very public trial gives people fuel to call all women liars when they speak out

I don’t understand this characterization

They had their day in court. She had a lawyer. He had a lawyer. The presented their cases.

The verdict was in favor of Depp.

[iemanja]

5. Exactly

People are already using it to attack Me Too.

[Demsrule86]

25. I blame Amber Heard for that.

[iemanja]

27. So because Amber Heard wasn't credible

All accused rapists and batterers are innocent and all women liars? Isn't that convenient for the predators of America. People only use it to attack Me Too if they have a personal or political interest in doing so.

[Demsrule86]

41. She was proven to have lied on the stand...she is a liar. She blackmailed Depp before she

filed her TRO and wanted penthouses, cars, and cash to not accuse him of domestic abuse. He didn't respond and she filed for a TRO. She was accused of domestic abuse of her former wife at a Seattle Airport and there is evidence she abused her sister as well. She lied and used Me Too..and it fucking sucks that she did this. Johnny Depp is not a predator...not one instance of abuse was proven in that court.

Amber, on the other hand, is a predator and it was proven in court that she abused Depp. And that is just plain wrong...and she lied about him...tried to destroy him. I was on her side at first but when I heard the tape where she says no one will believe him and she only hit him...didn't punch him, I knew it was her. My abusive ex-husband from a failed teenage marriage said exactly the same thing to me. Fair is fair. He didn't hit and he didn't rape her. Thus she defamed him and deserved to lose. She never cared about Me Too except as a way to further her career IMHO. It is her fault for any damage to Me Too. She should not have lied. And I am furious that she would do this because her behavior undoubtedly hurt abuse victims of both sexes.

[iemanja]

73. The trial proved none of that

Heard has not been charged with perjury or assault. This was a defamation case--that's it.

[2Gingersnaps]

76. Defamation is very hard to prove, so I have heard.

And he won hands down. Which is really, really great that asshats get the idea that this TOTALLY clears Trump or Gaetz, amirite? Oh, and all DV survivors are liars. In other words the rethugs see what they want to see, as usual. No surprise there.

Massacre of 10 year olds=single middle aged women with cats....or something.

[frogmarch]

30. I guess that despite the jury

not believing much of what Heard said, they should have found in her favor to set a precedent in cases like this, to help ensure that the women - liars and truth-tellers alike - always win.

[LakeArenal]

34. Seems a very Republican solution.

[Demsrule86]

42. +10000

[iemanja]

54. Only 3 percent of rapists are convicted

While 25% of women are raped in their lifetimes. The problem is not that society--and especially juries-- believe women. But one rapist or abuser is absolved, and people clamor to show it as evidence that women always lie.

[Woodswalker]

3. They Do

Maintain that we hate women and young people theme, don't they?

[CousinIT]

4. Link

https://www.msn.com/en-us/movies/celebrity/house-republicans-bizarrely-gloat-after-johnny-depp-verdict/ar-AAXYHBG

[TheProle]

7. Thanks

[TheProle]

6. Link?

[iemanja]

8. Sorry, it's there now

[TheProle]

11. Thank you

[BlackSkimmer]

9. Yes, it's amazed me how many here think Depp is some sort of victim.

Celebrity worship knows no political affiliation.

[Demsrule86]

24. He was a victim of physical abuse and blackmail too...check out the letter Amber Heard

sent him before filing a TRO. Amber admitted on tape and on the stand she abused Depp...there was not one bit of evidence that he abused her. This was a woman who used Me Too in order to destroy her ex-husband...like many abusers she wanted him completely destroyed. I don't care if a man or woman suffers abuse, it is wrong period and Me Too should never be used in this way.

[BlackSkimmer]

29. Hey, the Repubs agree with you!

But that creep has way more power, money, prestige, and physical strength than her. He was not dependent on her for anything.

Domestic abuse is about power and control. I'm absolutely sure she's not innocent, but he's a nasty piece of work who stayed with her willingly. He had all the power in that relationship.

The video I saw of him slamming things around and screaming said it all. I've known people like that. Abuse is not only physical.

That being said, I agree she was using the #MeToo movement. Both of them are a couple of low-lifes. I can only imagine what they could have done with all that money they wasted just to air their filthy laundry in public. Maybe donate to the SPCA. I hope neither has animals in the future.

I never even knew who she was, but I think both of them are horrid people now.

[LakeArenal]

36. Why do you say creep? All his exes say he's a gentle natured man.

Is he a character in his own life? Sure.

[BlackSkimmer]

52. I guess I'm permitted my opinion of this "celebrity" am I not?

Just the testimony on how they treated their dogs was enough for me.

Why in the world would you care what anyone thinks about this wannabe rockstar?

[LakeArenal]

62. I do care. You do too, or you wouldn't be having this convo.

[BlackSkimmer]

63. Lol, I care because to me it illuminates fan culture.

Sick and sad sucking up to celebrities.

The stuff I read about how they treated their dogs turned my stomach, and yes, I care about dogs.

[LakeArenal]

66. I'm am a fan of many people. I don't consider it sucking up to anyone.

I wouldn’t call it sick or sad.

If Paul McCartney walked into the room I surely would be as nice to him as possible.

[Demsrule86]

70. Why are you even on the Thread...we were discussing the trial and some evidence.

Millions found it interesting.

[LakeArenal]

74. Too be negative and superior.

[Demsrule86]

40. He had just found out that he had been robbed of 600 million bucks...and he slammed cabinets

not her. It had nothing to do with her...she was not targeted but she saw an opportunity to get a video she could use later...What she did was premeditated. She later sold or gave that video to TMZ and she admitted in the UK trial to alerting TMZ about the TRO. Before she filed she had sent a letter demanding money, penthouses, cars, etc or she would accuse him of domestic abuse...he didn't pay up and she accused him a couple of days later.

Now she admitted to two instances of where she hit him and I could care a less what the GOP thinks...I believe in justice. And I watched that trial and Amber Heard lied through her teeth. No one deserves to be lied about and have their lives ruined. As for airing filthy laundry in public, I am sure Johnny didn't want to admit to the alcohol and drug use but he did not abuse her and he had a right to clear his name. I like Depp personally...always did. He does a lot of good anonymously. Johnny is very good to his dogs...loves dogs. And I would not leave my dog for a spiteful ex-wife to abuse personally. And she is fully capable of it IMHO.

[BlackSkimmer]

56. Lol. Settle down now.

What some random person on the internet thinks about the "great Johnny Depp" really won't hurt him. If you're that worried about him, best to worry about seeing him on TMZ one of these days, found passed out in a drunken, drugged stupor. The guy looks much older than he is. A shame when people just let themselves go like that.

It's gonna be ok now though. I promise not to post anymore about Johnny, mmkay?

[Demsrule86]

59. That is actually not true...he has lost much money and has kids and a life too....

He is almost 60 so I don't think he looks older but who cares anyway. I just believe in telling the truth. I was the victim of abuse and no one should have to go through that.

[Kali]

33. the evidence in (and outside of) the trial indicated that he was indeed a victim of physical abuse

just because someone is rich and perhaps even an asshole doesn't mean they forgo the right to be heard and receive justice.

[Demsrule86]

44. Kali as always, you hit the nail on the head...excellent post.

[SunImp]

10. Scumbags like these like to use any big event to push their agenda

[Demovictory9]

13. True

[WhiskeyGrinder]

12. Lol they're not the only ones

[Sanity Claws]

14. Depp is not aligned with the Rethugs

I don't know why they would rally behind him

[iemanja]

15. Because it's a perfect thing to promote

their hatred of women. All women are liars. Accused men are never guilty, etc....

[MrsCoffee]

71. MRA's everywhere are celebrating.

I admit it's hard for me to read these threads and I probably shouldn't.

[Demsrule86]

23. In Depps statement after the verdict he referenced abuse victims of both sexes...Amber did not.

[LakeArenal]

37. Also when the shit hit the papers, Depp stayed quiet and respectful.

His exes say he’s a good guy.

I trust them as women as much as any women.

[Demsrule86]

39. I do too.

[BradAllison]

43. They don't care

It's the same energy for them to complain about gas prices and formula but refuse to vote for bills to defer the pain to consumers.

[Samrob]

16. What do you expect from sexually non-functioning women haters? nt

[Kali]

17. "The verdict of this very public trial gives people fuel to call all women liars

when they speak out about sexual assault or domestic abuse."

such bullshit. SHE gives people fuel, not the fucking verdict. SHE is the liar that "proves" their claims. she is a psycho liar among her many other mental/emotional problems. just spend a few minutes watching her testify. holy shit!

[iemanja]

21. It's the same thing really

The verdict seemingly was a response to her credibility.

[Demsrule86]

45. She wasn't credible...should she win because women must always be believed even when they lie?

[iemanja]

65. Don't worry

Women are almost never believed, which is why only 3% of rapes end in conviction.

NO ONE is saying she should have won the case because women should always win. That claim is patently absurd. We are talking in this thread about the reaction to the case and how misogynists are using it--as but another excuse--to claim Me Too and all women are liars. This is about the Republican congressmen's reactions after all, something you continually refuse to engage with.

It is possible for Heard to lack credibility and for people to be concerned about the public reaction. The public decided from the very beginning that Heard was a liar--because too many believe women always lie. But you take concern over that reaction and pretend people think women should always win cases. Your point is not an honest one.

You got the verdict you wanted. Isn't that enough for you?

[Autumn]

64. Right. The verdict was a response to her credibility. She had none. She lied over and over.

She used this to get back and Depp because she wanted to ruin him. Fuck her. She was not abused Amber Turd was the abuser.

[Demsrule86]

22. Amber Heard lied. IMHO, she used Me Too for revenge on her ex...she sent him a letter

before filing her TRO telling him he needed to give her the penthouses, cars, and support her and her family for the rest of their lives or she would file a TRO...disgusting. Women should blame her for her actions although. I think Amber was discredited-not all women.

[Kali]

32. the trial reiterated my "knowledge" of how the press works and how people absorb misinformation

I have NEVER seen accurate reporting of anything that I had personal knowledge of. many here dismissing this as just two rich assholes airing dirty laundry in public seem to miss some important points. yes there was that, and I admit part of the allure was the gossipy info that was there, but the way the system functions (or doesn't) was important as well. it is extremely hard for a public figure to win this type of case and learning how and why was interesting.

I have been a juror a couple of times and one was a high profile civil case (the Charles Keating civil trial in Tucson back in 1992). we gave some high punitive damages.

[Demsrule86]

46. That must have been so interesting. And agree about the media.

[chowder66]

18. If they think this is going to help them in any future litigation they are sorely mistaken.

Most women are not like Heard though there are some.

Heard was caught lying and admitted abuse. She has a history as well.


The only reason for anyone to be glad of the outcome is that it brings attention to men who are victims of physical (and verbal) abuse.
Depp has his issues and he has tried to get clean. I hope he finds his way soon. I hope Heard deals with her issues as well.

[Demsrule86]

47. The sad thing is both were victims of abuse in childhood.

[chowder66]

50. I 100% agree.

[Rebl2]

19. One would

think they have better things to do.

[pansypoo53219]

20. man trumps female.

[jcgoldie]

31. Because they are misogynists

The rest of the story is irrelevant to them.

[SunImp]

35. Another take on the Depp v Heard trial

https://www.readthepresentage.com/p/johnny-depp-amber-heard?s=r

Also we have to remember that this civil verdict did not undo the decision of the UK lawsuit that found 12 of 14 instances of alleged domestic violence had occurred

[iemanja]

38. Interesting take

He does sound like a classic abuser, according to that article.
I didn't watch the trial, so I can't comment on the evidence before the court, but I could tell the public reaction was misogynistic. I saw some of those spectator videos mentioned in the story, only in watching them I didn't see the scandalous behavior they were trying to prove.

While I don't know the evidence, I am disturbed by the gleeful reaction to the verdict. So many have used it to disparage Me too. I see this as an effort by predators to ensure they are absolved of their own illegal behavior. One's reaction says more about the person than the case itself.

[Demsrule86]

49. Why not listen to some of the testimony? He has no history of abuse...Amber wanted a pay day.

There is documentation of that. And to destroy Depp for divorcing her.

[iemanja]

51. Why not read the article?

and I didn't have time to watch the trial because I work for a living and celebrities aren't my priority in life. YMMV.

[Demsrule86]

61. How nice. I was home because my husband had two surgeries in two months...I am his

caregiver at the moment ...on unpaid family leave. But I digress. The UK trial has no bearing on the American trial but I did read up about it and was pretty surprised at some of the stuff that was allowed.

[Demsrule86]

48. That is not strictly true...the newspaper was being sued not Depp. And the judge who decided

the case had a son who worked for Murdoch who owns the Sun. So take it for what it is worth...the judge relied totally on Amber's words...and we now know she lied.

[iemanja]

53. You've made your POV clear

to the point where you respond to every post with non-sequiturs.

[LakeArenal]

67. Wow. All these opinions on a trial people aren't interested in or care about.

Seems the negativity is now personal attacks on people who are fans of people they enjoy.

Even after a man had his day on court, has been heard (no pun intended) by judge and jury. Isn’t that what Me, too is about? Having the opportunity to be heard. Or is it only for women to have due process.

Lord knows Al Franken (whom I’m also a HUGE fan) didn’t get his due process. And how did that turn out?

[Demsrule86]

69. It should be what Me Too is about.

[Sympthsical]

57. This seriously reads like her PR team wrote it

It almost actively gas lights the reader and is abusive in its way all by itself.

It certainly disrespects victims by doing so.

As someone who watched the trial, that article is gross.

[iemanja]

58. How do you know it isn't true?

Based on what? You weren't there.

[Sympthsical]

60. I watched the trial

And the picture painted by that article isn't even close to honest. Certainly not a modicum of objectivity.

I'm very comfortable calling both of the parties involved garbage people. They were.

But to airbrush, omit, and paint this "babe in the woods" picture of Heard and expect people to believe it is either A) purely out of an ideological motivation or B) highly encouraged by her PR team.

Either isn't great.

[Mad_Machine76]

55. I didn't follow the proceedings

but many of the memes and comments being floated on social media, especially in regards to Heard, have been utterly despicable and nauseating.

[MrsCoffee]

72. +1

[Hotler]

68. Tax cuts for the rich and shit like this. Who says they don't do anything. nt

[Joenobody]

75. This is a problem with messaging

When you do things like decide to push slogans like believe women. It's very easy for opposition to find a few high profile examples of women lying and use it to tear down all of the ones telling the truth.

They will use Jussie to attack people who say they experienced racism and they will use Amber to attack people who say they are abused by men.

But, we invite this by pushing slogans that are not self explanatory to a public that is not going to dig past the clearly self explanatory.