Johnny Depp case verdict shows 'victims will be believed' regardless of abuser's 'status and wealth', domestic abuse campaigners say

‘If men like Depp do not want to see their reputations tarnished by allegations of abuse of women, it really is quite simple, they should not abuse women,’ says campaigner

Depp sued the tabloid’s publishers after the paper claimed the Hollywood megastar assaulted his former wife and fellow actor Amber heard (Getty)

Domestic abuse campaigners said the news Johnny Depp has lost his libel claim against The Sun over an article which branded him a “wife beater” demonstrates “victims will be believed” irrespective of their abuser’s “status and wealth”.

Depp sued the tabloid’s publishers after the paper claimed the Hollywood megastar assaulted his former wife and fellow actor Amber Heard.

Judge Justice Nicol has now ruled the allegations against Depp outlined in a column headlined “Gone Potty: How can JK Rowling be 'genuinely happy' casting wife beater Johnny Depp in the new Fantastic Beasts film?” which was penned in April 2018 were “substantially true”.

Karen Ingala Smith, head of Nia, a charity which provides services for women, children and young people who have experienced male violence, told The Independent: “I am pleased to see that Johnny Depp was not able to use his fame or money to buy a free pass to abuse Amber Heard with impunity.

“Although the headlines today are about Depp, I would like to acknowledge the bravery of Heard in naming the abuse that she was subjected to. If men like Depp do not want to see their reputations tarnished by allegations of abuse of women, it really is quite simple, they should not abuse women.

“Unfortunately for women it is not so simple, Amber Heard’s reputation was besmirched by Depp, the media and many in the public, not because she was an abuser but because she had the temerity to name a famous man as one who had abused her. Justice has come at a cost.”

Depp spent around 20 hours in the witness box during this summer’s three-week trial – which was one of the most high-profile, widely watched libel cases in recent history.

Charlotte Kneer, chief executive of Reigate and Banstead Women's Aid refuge, told The Independent she is “delighted” about the verdict in the defamation case.

She added: “My main concern throughout this trial has been that victims, seeing the vitriol directed at Amber Heard, may not feel they can come forward and seek help if they are suffering domestic abuse. 

"This sends a strong message that victims will be believed and it doesn’t matter about your status and wealth, if you’re an abuser, you will be found out. Please do reach out, we will believe you.”

While Nicki Norman, acting chief executive at leading domestic abuse charity, Women's Aid, said the allegations of domestic abuse against Depp were “extremely serious”.

She added: “Everyone who has experienced domestic abuse deserves to be listened to and believed. This also applies to survivors who do not fit the image of the “perfect” victim – and regardless of the high profile of the alleged abuser. There is no excuse for domestic abuse.” 

The court was shown video clips of Depp punching kitchen cupboards, told of his heavy usage of alcohol and drugs, and read texts in which he branded his former wife a “witch” and suggested burning her.

Lisa King, chief executive of Refuge, the UK’s largest provider of shelters for domestic abuse victims, 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 Amber Heard who has shown immense bravery in speaking up and speaking out.”

Ms King said one in four women will be subjected to domestic abuse at some point in their lives – adding that it is the “most pressing issue” which women and girls have to deal with.

She added: “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 are not alone.”

The 57-year-old actor vigorously denies all the allegations of domestic abuse levied against him.

News Group Newspapers (NGN) – The Sun’s publisher – used 14 separate allegations of domestic violence, spanning from 2013 and May 2016, while defending itself against Depp.

In 12 out of the 14 incidents of assault which Heard came forward to accuse Depp of, the judge said the alleged incidents took place.

Depp's legal team have announced they will appeal the decision – saying the ruling is “flawed” and “as perverse as it is bewildering”.

“The Sun has stood up and campaigned for the victims of domestic abuse for over 20 years,” a spokesperson for the paper said. “Domestic abuse victims must never be silenced and we thank the judge for his careful consideration and thank Amber Heard for her courage in giving evidence to the court.”

Mr Justice Nicol referenced an email sent by Depp in August 2016 as characterising his genuine emotions towards Heard.

Depp’s message said: “I have no mercy, no fear and not an ounce of emotion or what I once thought was love for this gold digging, low level, dime a dozen, mushy, pointless dangling overused flappy fish market … I can only hope that karma kicks in and takes the gift of breath from her … Sorry man … But NOW I will stop at nothing!!!”

Anyone who requires help or support can contact the National Domestic Abuse Helpline which is open 24/7 365 days per year on 0808 2000 247 or via their website https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/