The media landscape, both mainstream and social, are dominated by the scandalous civil lawsuit and trial between divorcees Johnny Depp and Amber Heard. The actors are currently embroiled in a case where Mr. Depp is seeking $50 million from Ms. Heard for defamation and lost wages due to her domestic violence allegations.
Specifically, Ms. Heard’s 2018 op-ed piece for the Washington Post headlined, “I spoke up against sexual violence—and faced our culture’s wrath. That has to change.” Ms. Heard never mentions Mr. Depp in her op-ed, but Mr. Depp and his lawyers argued, and a judge agreed that Ms. Heard was implying that she was abused during their year-long marriage. In 2022, the civil lawsuit is in full swing, and aspects of both sides, whether in writing or audio recordings, show damning behavior.
Depp Trial Exposed Volitive Social Media Posts
Texts from Mr. Depp and recordings of Ms. Heard, which will not be shared here, showcase a dysfunctional marriage that brought out toxic behavior from both parties. Regardless of the outcome of the lawsuit, or the countersuit following this case, irreparable damage (publicly, reputationally, etc.) has been done to both parties.
What can you learn from this high-profile circus of a case? Be careful what you say, write, or post on social media regarding volatile personal situations. They can and will be brought up in court and can tank any semblance of credibility you have. Oft-times, the things Mr. Depp and Ms. Heard texted to confidants or said in private recordings reveal deeply personal and traumatic experiences that can become even more incendiary in a courtroom. Be smart, and don’t allow flaring emotions to lay the breadcrumbs for a nasty battle in court.
Rebecca L. Palmer, Esq. is a Family & Marital Law attorney practicing in Orlando, FL. She is the Managing Partner of the Rebecca L. Palmer Law Group, and she can be reached at rebecca@rlplawgroup.com
