For several weeks, social networks have been flooded with two faces: Johnny Depp and Amber Heard. The Pirates of the Caribbean The actor’s international fan base took full advantage of a courtroom live stream with memes reveling in all of Heard’s twisted expressions – and influencers even staged “comic” re-enactments at the name of influence hunting.
Aside from a few stalwarts like Winona Ryder, Paul Bettany and Kate Moss, who testified on his behalf, celebrity support for Depp has been muted — literally, it seems.
Twitter’s A-list went virtually silent on Wednesday when a circuit court in Fairfax County, Va., ruled that Heard was liable for defaming Depp in a 2018 Washington Post editorial. (The court also ruled in favor of one of Heard’s counterclaims against Depp, whose attorney at one point called his claims a “hoax.”) The jury awarded Depp damages totaling $15. million ($10.35 million due to a state cap on punitive damages), and Heard is set to receive $2 million. While the celebrities weren’t necessarily putting on a show by posting #JusticeForJohnnyDepp to social media on Wednesday, a surprising number of them positively engaged with his posts and those of others celebrating the outcome.
Before we start, an obvious caveat often seen on Twitter bios: Social media likes don’t necessarily equal approval. Plus, it’s a well-known fact that many celebrities don’t run their own “Grams,” even if those accounts are verified. However, one must wonder what would motivate a person, today every day, to “love” Johnny Depp. And the list of those who have includes a few people you might not expect.
Celebrity accounts who confirmed The Daily Beast “liked” Depp’s statement on social media include LaKeith Stanfield, Zoe Saldana, Emma Roberts, Gemma Chan, Bella Hadid, Taika Waititi, Jennifer Aniston, Henry Golding, Joey King , Riley Keough and Jason Momoa, who stars alongside Heard in the Aquaman movies.
Curiously, Momoa also double tapped on Amber Heard’s Instagram statement.
Some stars chose not to “like” Depp’s post, but lent a small red heart to a separate post by Greg Williams Photography, a portrait photo of Depp that includes the caption “#youcantkeepagoodmandown” – Florence Pugh, Dakota Fanning and her younger sister, Great starring Elle Fanning.
Other celebrities have been more overt in their aplomb. Naomi Campbell, Pretty little Liars alum Ashley Benson and DJ Zedd all responded to Depp’s post with heart emojis, as did Ryan Adams, who has been accused of sexual misconduct by a number of women including Phoebe Bridgers and Mandy Moore.
The outcome of that lawsuit, which humiliated Heard and will now cost him more than $10 million in damages, has domestic violence advocates worried. Ruth Glenn, president and CEO of the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, told The Daily Beast she believed the sordid saga would have a “chilling effect” on future victims who may have come forward.
“I would ask the nation and your readers, would you think twice about coming forward after witnessing what happened?” said Glenn. “I don’t think that will necessarily be the only thing stopping someone from seeking support and security, but I can tell you it just adds another layer.”
A representative of the Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network (RAINN) issued the following statement: “The outcome of this case may bring up an array of emotions for survivors watching. Anyone needing help as a result of this verdict can access free 24/7 confidential support at 800.656.HOPE (4673) and online.RAINN.org.