Entertainment

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

Published

3 years ago

June 2, 2022

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)

Announcements

Ring in the New Year on Dubai’s waters: Abra, Taxi & Ferry with Atlantis views

Published

2 weeks ago

December 11, 2024

Staff Reporter

As Dubai residents and tourists gear up to celebrate New Year, they can ring in 2025 with celebrations in the waters of the emirate.

تُقدم #هيئة_الطرق_و_المواصلات في دبي عروضًا خاصة وخدمات مميّزة، خلال فعاليات رأس السنة الميلادية الجديدة 2025، والموافق الثلاثاء 31 ديسمبر الجاري 2024، على متن وسائل النقل البحري، مثل فيري دبي والعبرة والتاكسي المائي.
لقراءة الخبر كاملا، يرجى زيارة الموقع الإلكتروني… pic.twitter.com/FfXu8rHHyA
— RTA (@rta_dubai) December 10, 2024

The Roads and Transport Authority in Dubai has announced special offers and exclusive services during the New Year’s Eve, December 31, 2024, on marine transport means including the Dubai Ferry, the Abra, and the Water Taxi.

Passengers can enjoy views of the Burj Khalifa, Bluewaters, Atlantis, Burj Al Arab and Jumeirah Beach Towers. Residents can cruise into 2025 aboard the Dubai Ferry, Water Taxi, and Abra, with the backdrop of the Dubai coastline, adorned with hotels, heritage areas and landmarks such as The World Islands.

Announcements

Dubai Safari to introduce extended hours for night safaris

Published

2 weeks ago

December 6, 2024

Staff Reporter

Timings at the Dubai Safari Park will be extended this winter season, allowing visitors to experience the attraction at night. Evening visitors will be able to observe changes in the animals’ behaviour as the night deepens. The park’s lions will roar more, the usually elusive pygmy hippos will be more active and the predatory instincts of carnivores primed for nocturnal hunting will intensify.

The night safari timings of 6pm to 8pm will be applicable for a limited period—from December 13 to January 12. Tickets will be sold on the park’s website starting from December 11.

https://twitter.com/DXBMediaOffice/status/1864686389918617715?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1864686389918617715%7Ctwgr%5E9a6a3d393a5ce5a565aef31778242b56a7deda6b%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fbuzzzing.ae%2Fwp-admin%2Fpost.php%3Fpost%3D12597action%3Dedit

The extended hours will include two night safaris led by wildlife guides. Visitors can “expect to catch” a glimpse of the night-time routines of over 90 species, “besides participating in interactive activities involving animals”, the park’s operator said. The safari will host live performances, including an African fire show and a neon display. Visitors will be able to observe and study the animals’ natural adaptations at night, which include enhanced night vision, echolocation, and a heightened sense of smell and hearing.

Ahmad Al Zarouni, director of Public Parks and Recreational Facilities at Dubai Municipality, said, “With the introduction of the unique night safari, we are excited to reveal a new perspective on the world of wildlife after dark. This experience offers a rare opportunity to explore hidden aspects of life in the wild and learn about our constant efforts to enhance animal welfare, by day and by night.”

The extended timings are being offered amid the country’s peak tourist season.

According to the Dubai Safari Park, “well-considered measures” are in place to ensure that the ecosystem and animals’ natural routines remain undisturbed during the night safaris. “Only nocturnally active species will be part of the safari experience, allowing guests to observe them in their most natural state.”

Announcements

Dubai to ring in UAE National Day with week-long celebrations

Published

4 weeks ago

November 26, 2024

Staff Reporter

As the UAE prepares to celebrate its 53rd National Day, residents can look forward to a long weekend, with a 4-day break for most and an extended 5-day holiday for those in Sharjah.

From November 28 to December 3, Dubai will come alive with Eid Al Etihad festivities, featuring shopping deals, acrobatic performances, musical shows, fireworks, and culinary delights.

Culinary Experiences

Dubai’s restaurants and cafes will offer exclusive tasting menus, limited-time promotions, and events celebrating Emirati flavors with global twists. Emirati Eats will showcase a variety of traditional and fusion dishes at leading eateries across the city.

Music and Concerts

The festivities kick off on November 28 with Jalsat Moments at Coca-Cola Arena, featuring a stellar lineup of Arab artists, including Ayed Yousef, Eida Al Menhali, Nabeel Shuail, and Abdulaziz Al-Duwaihi.

On December 2, Dubai Festival City Mall will host a live concert by Aryam and Faisal Al Jasim, while City Walk will showcase a performance by Mohamed Al Shehhi, supported by a 10-member band, from 8 pm to 9 pm.

Fireworks

Spectacular firework displays will light up the city skies at these locations:

–December 1, 8 pm: Bluewaters and The Beach, JBR

–December 2, 8 pm: Hatta Sign

–December 2, 9.10 pm: Dubai Festival City Mall

–December 3, 9 pm: Al Seef

Shopping and Family Activities

From November 29 to December 3, shoppers can enjoy discounts on perfumes, jewelry, fashion, footwear, homeware, and apparel across the city. Traditional bands, family-friendly activities, and performances will create vibrant atmospheres at City Centre Mirdif and Ibn Battuta Mall.

Acrobatic Acts and Performances

On December 2, City Walk will host fabric dancers, acrobats, flag bearers, and traditional bands from 4 pm to 6 pm, culminating in the musical finale by Mohamed Al Shehhi.

With over 200 performers and an array of activities, Dubai is set to honor the UAE’s rich heritage and dynamic spirit with a celebration to remember.