Entertainment

Amber Heard, Johnny Depp verdict marks a course correction for #metoo movement

Published

3 years ago

June 2, 2022

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A jury has ruled in favor of Johnny Depp in his libel lawsuit against ex-wife Amber Heard. After reaching the verdict, the jury read out it’s findings in the courtroom:

“Has Mr. Depp proven all the elements of defamation, answer: yes!
Has Mr. Depp proven by greater weight of the evidence that question the statement made by Ms Heard in public, answer: yes!
The statement was about Mr. Depp, answer yes!
The statement was false, answer: yes!”

While reading the damning verdict in the Johnny Depp and Amber Heard defamation trial the jury not only established the allegations of domestic abuse as false it also opened the doors to other such claims resulting from #metoo allegations. The defamation verdict going in favor of the ‘lovable pirate’ marks a shift in the perception and the narrative that the accuser is always right and must be given full, unquestioned hearing, now stands under a serious doubt. The Washington Post which allowed Amber Heard it’s platform to air one-sided version of events, which now stand proven as false, would likely think twice before doing the same when another ‘victim’ steps forward accusing a celebrity of abuse.

The jury awarded Johnny Depp $10 million in compensatory damages and $5 million in punitive damages. It also granted a win to Amber Heard for a $2 million defamation case against Depp’s lawyers accusing her of creating a hoax and planting evidence to accuse him of violence.

While that may seem like a balanced result, the fact is the verdict tilted in favor of Johnny Depp, much like public perception has during the six-week trial.

Amber Heard has claimed death threats against her by fans of the Hollywood star, and many experts, including one who testified in court, believe the sentiment on social media has been one-sided in favor of Depp.

In Intimate Partner Violence, or IPV, much of what happens is behind closed doors. The onus of proof largely depends on how the case would go. In this case, it was on Johnny Depp to prove he never assaulted Amber Heard, and he was able to do that not by producing much evidence but by showing the lack of evidence on the side of Amber Heard.

This has been something which has sparked debate regarding the #metoo movement from the start. The message is clear, if you are the victim, then you better have something to show for it, or else the accuser also stands to counter sue you and make you pay. Considering how high profile many of these cases are, the defamation suits can be really severe in the compensation that can be awarded.

Many legal experts feel the trial in such cases simply comes down to ‘perception’. Amber Heard, for instance, didn’t come across as a credible witness as she overdramatized and exaggerated her story during the trial. Many of her reactions, expressions, and statements have become popular memes on social media, and while the jury is expected to be insulated from public opinion, chances are if the audience is finding something as ‘fake’ then many in the jury might do the same. During the trial many facets of both Johnny Depp’s and Amber Heard’s private lives were allowed to be made public. All this drives opinion and the jury is not immune to that.

Amber Heard’s lawyers have already made it clear that they will be challenging the verdict which they have termed ‘inconsistent’, however for now the message is, men can be victims too.

Written by: Raghav Chopra, Senior Journalist
(Special to Headline.ae)

Entertainment

Canada Super 60 set to dazzle with star-studded concert line-up at Vancouver’s BC Place

Published

1 week ago

October 9, 2025

Michael Gomes

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The Canada Super 60 isn’t just changing the game; it’s creating North America’s newest entertainment spectacle. From October 8 to 13, Vancouver’s iconic BC Place will transform into a full-fledged cultural carnival, blending high-octane cricket with back-to-back music concerts.

Get ready for six nights of non-stop entertainment, headlined by some of the biggest names in Punjabi, Desi, and global fusion music. From the infectious beats of Harrdy Sandhu and Jassie Gill to the international flair of Mickey Singh, each night promises a festival atmosphere both on and off the pitch.

Concert Line-Up Highlights

Oct 8 – Harrdy Sandhu (9pm)
Oct 9 – Jassie Gill (9pm)
Oct 10 – Mickey Singh (9pm)
Oct 11 – Parmish Verma (9pm)
Oct 12 – Raf-Saperra (9pm)
Oct 13 – GirlsLikeYou x Indo Warehouse (6:15pm)

The entertainment bonanza runs alongside thrilling cricket matches featuring international stars and fan favourites. With Yuvraj Singh backing the league and legends like Shikhar Dhawan and Suresh Raina on the field, Canada Super 60 is shaping up to be the ultimate blend of glamour, game, and groove.

“This is not just cricket; this is a lifestyle experience,” said a spokesperson for Canada Super 60. “Our entertainment line-up reflects the league’s ambition to unite cultures through music, sport, and community.”

Fans can expect full-scale stadium productions, food and cultural showcases, and plenty of Instagram-worthy moments, turning BC Place into Canada’s most happening venue this October.

About Canada Super 60

Canada Super 60 is the newest format in global cricket, a 60-ball showdown that delivers fast-paced action and festival-style entertainment. Backed by international icons and powered by music, sport, and cultural unity, it’s redefining how fans experience cricket in North America.

Entertainment

UAE students risk repeating a year if absences exceed 15 days, new rules state

Published

2 months ago

September 2, 2025

Michael Gomes

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Public school students in the UAE could be required to repeat an academic year if their unexcused absences exceed 15 days, under new rules announced by the Ministry of Education.

The updated guidelines exclude absences related to illness, medical travel, official event participation, emergencies, or family bereavements. Students will now be allowed up to five unexcused absences per term, capped at 15 across the year. Any excess will trigger a review, with the student’s file referred to the relevant authorities and child protection services.

The ministry also clarified that absences on Fridays, or on days immediately before or after official holidays, will count as two days. A warning system has been introduced to notify parents on the first day of absence.

Special exemptions will apply to students of determination and those with chronic illnesses. Parents may also appeal within five working days of being notified, ensuring fairness in implementation.

The initiative is aimed at tackling absenteeism, which the ministry said has a direct impact on academic performance. Citing studies, it noted that missing 10 per cent of school days equates to a loss of half an academic year, while absences beyond 20 per cent amount to a full year’s loss in achievement.

Schools have been instructed to create individual support plans for students at risk of frequent absences, including counselling sessions, parent engagement, and incentive programmes.

The ministry added that it will be up to educational boards to decide whether these rules will also extend to private schools.

Announcements

Tickets now live for Dubai’s first homegrown musical spectacle

Published

4 months ago

June 14, 2025

Staff Reporter

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A cultural revolution is about to begin. Tickets are now available for Once Upon A Time in Dubai, the most ambitious, emotional, and spectacular musical ever produced in the region. Opening this December at The Agenda in Dubai Media City, the show is already being called a once-in-a-generation phenomenon — and for good reason.

More than just a stage production, Once Upon A Time in Dubai is the first original large-scale musical entirely created in the UAE, blending Broadway-worthy storytelling with the energy and dreams of one of the world’s most iconic cities. Behind this bold vision is Stéphane Boukris, entrepreneur and cultural trailblazer, who has brought together an international creative dream team — including Universal Music Group MENA as co-producer — to craft a deeply emotional journey of love, ambition, and transformation, set in today’s Dubai.

“This show is a tribute to everything Dubai represents: ambition, diversity, and the power to build your own destiny,” says Boukris. “We are creating something people will never forget.”

A World-Class Team Behind the Curtain

The production brings together talents who have previously worked on global shows such as Céline Dion, Disney shows, and Arabs Got Talent (MBC). From lighting to choreography and technical design, every detail is crafted by artists and technicians at the highest international standards.

A Story That Speaks to a Generation

At the heart of the show is Will, a young English dancer who arrives in Dubai to search for Sophia, the woman he loves. Along the way, he meets artists, entrepreneurs, and dreamers from all walks of life, culminating in a celebration of courage, community, and reinvention.

The cast features rising stars Amanda Maalouf (X Factor) and Joe Woolford (The Voice UK) — with many of the lead vocalists and performers previously featured on international talent platforms, bringing an exceptional level of stage presence and vocal power. The musical includes over 20 original songs composed by Nazim Khaled, including already-viral hits like “Habibi”, “Stranger in the World”, and “Think Big”.

A City-Wide Movement

With over 150,000 spectators expected across 55 performances, the show is much more than an event — it’s becoming a movement. Once Upon A Time in Dubai is already making waves across the city with:

● Strategic brand partnerships: McDonald’s, Carrefour MAF, Careem, Accor, Mall of the

Emirates, Tilal Al Ghaf, GEMS Education, and more

● Immersive activations: Soundtracks in Hala taxis, QR codes in malls, music in retail

stores, and dedicated social media campaigns

● Youth engagement: Auditions and showcases for students across GEMS schools,

opening the stage to the next generation of performers

The show will be performed in English, and supported by a multicultural creative team led by stage director Johan Nus.

Exclusive Ticket Sale

Tickets are available exclusively via Fever, the global ticketing platform. Pre-sale access has already launched with selected partners such as GEMS, Muse by Chalhoub, and Accor’s ALL loyalty members — with thousands of tickets snapped up in just days.

🎤 Behind the scenes videos, interviews with the cast, and a full media kit are available upon request. 📸 Press passes for opening week are now being issued — be among the first to witness the birth of a new cultural landmark.