Entertainment

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

Published

2 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

Bollywood singer Vishal Mishra set to perform live at Coca-Cola Arena

Published

1 week ago

November 14, 2024

Staff Reporter

Bollywood’s award-winning playback singer and composer Vishal Mishra is all set to make his electrifying debut at Dubai’s iconic Coca-Cola Arena on November 22. Fans in the UAE are gearing up for an unforgettable evening as the maestro takes the stage to perform his chart-topping hits live for the first time in the city.

Renowned for his soulful voice and a discography brimming with heartfelt melodies, Vishal Mishra has left an indelible mark on the Indian music scene. From chartbusters like “Pehla Pyaar” and “Zihal e Miskin” Vishal’s music has captured hearts worldwide. His signature blend of melody and emotion, combined with his ability to connect deeply with audiences, promises a concert that will be nothing short of magical.

Speaking about the upcoming concert, the 32-year-old star who rose to fame with the hit song “Kaise Hua” from Kabir Singh, shared his excitement: “Performing in Dubai is always like a dream, and I am thrilled to finally connect with my fans here at the Coca-Cola Arena. Music has the power to unite people, and I can’t wait to share this unforgettable experience with everyone. I promise it will be a night filled with love, energy, and pure magic.”

A Night to Remember:

The Coca-Cola Arena, one of Dubai’s premier entertainment venues, will set the stage for this extraordinary event. Known for its state-of-the-art acoustics and vibrant atmosphere, the arena will provide the perfect setting for Vishal Mishra to bring his music to life, offering fans a front-row seat to the essence of Bollywood’s musical brilliance.

Attendees can look forward to an intimate yet high-energy experience, as Vishal performs his Bollywood Chartbusters like “Pehle Bhi Main” from movie ‘Animal’, Oscar award winning “Nacho Nacho” from Movie RRR and fan favourites such as Zihal-e-miskin, Aaj Bhi and Manjha.

With fans across the region eagerly awaiting this event, tickets are already selling fast. Whether you’re a long-time admirer of Vishal’s music or only discovering his artistry for the first time, this concert promises a night to remember for all.

Event Details:
Date: 22nd November 2024
Venue: Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai
Tickets: https://dubai.platinumlist.net/event-tickets/94400/vishal-mishtra-live-in-coca-cola-arena-dubai

Entertainment

Neha Kakkar set to Headline Inaugural Indian Musical Festival in Dubai

Published

2 weeks ago

November 7, 2024

Suhani Singh

The Indian Musical Festival (IMF), Dubai’s biggest music festival, is set to debut with an unforgettable performance by Bollywood’s Pop Queen, Neha Kakkar. Taking place at Etisalat Academy on December 28, 2024, this premier event will bring Neha Kakkar back to Dubai, three years since her last live show in the city, for a show-stopping experience filled with energy, music, and the true spirit of Bollywood. Known for her iconic voice, magnetic stage presence, and hits that have dominated the charts, Neha’s performance at IMF Dubai is anticipated to be the must-attend musical celebration of the year.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DB3A04IIh7F/?igsh=ZHUzbWw5Z2JvcTR6

Neha Kakkar, with her infectious charisma and talent, has become one of the most-watched female artists worldwide, amassing over 4 billion views on YouTube and a fanbase of more than 78.7m followers on Instagram. She holds the distinction of being the first Indian artist awarded the prestigious YouTube Diamond Award in 2021, underscoring her massive influence and popularity. Her recognition on platforms such as Forbes India’s Celebrity 100 and the Asia 100 Digital Stars lists further highlights her global impact, solidifying her status as an international music icon.

Speaking about the upcoming event, Aadhil Noushad, Managing Director, said, “We are thrilled to bring the Indian Musical Festival to Dubai, with Neha Kakkar headlining our maiden edition. It is our pleasure to unite the fans with the music and artists they love through unforgettable performances and energy. We look forward to making IMF Dubai a landmark festival that celebrates Indian music and culture on a grand scale.”

This maiden edition of IMF Dubai is expected to be a celebration like no other with more than 10,000 tickets on sale, making it one of the biggest music carnivals in the UAE. It is set to capture the heart of Bollywood through Neha Kakkar’s most beloved songs and deliver an electrifying night to fans and music lovers across the UAE. As the headline artist, Neha will take the audience on a journey through her biggest hits, blending powerful vocals with captivating stage production in an evening that promises non-stop entertainment and high-energy performances.

Tickets for IMF Dubai’s inaugural concert are now on sale, with a limited-time 15 per cent discount available on all categories during Phase 1 of ticketing. Given the high anticipation around this event, fans are encouraged to secure their tickets early to be part of Dubai’s largest Bollywood musical celebration of 2024. This exclusive event not only brings fans closer to one of India’s most celebrated pop sensations but also offers a unique opportunity to enjoy the vibrant Bollywood music scene in Dubai.

IMF Dubai, organised by Notout Entertainments LLC and Elounge India with ticketing partner Qtickets, represents a landmark commitment to premier Indian entertainment in Dubai. As IMF Dubai launches its flagship festival, it sets a new standard for Indian musical events in the region, with future editions already in the planning stages to make an even greater impact. IMF Dubai is more than a concert—it’s a celebration of culture, music, and a shared passion that connects people across borders.

For more information on tickets, event details, and more, please visit imfdubai.com/.

To book your tickets now, visit tinyurl.com/4jpwarkw.

For more queries and the latest updates, visit tinyurl.com/jkr44nvs.

Announcements

GROUNDBREAKING MUSICAL SPECTACLE “ONCE UPON A TIME IN DUBAI” TO PREMIERE IN DECEMBER 2025

Published

1 month ago

October 21, 2024

Staff Reporter

Dubai-based French music producer Stéphane Boukris and Universal Music MENA – a division of Universal Music Group (UMG), the world leader in music-based entertainment – today announced the launch of “Once Upon A Time in Dubai”, a pioneering musical that is set to captivate audiences starting in December 2025. Supported by key partners ALL, Accor’s award-winning loyalty programme and McDonald’s UAE, this first-of-its-kind production marks a historic moment in Dubai’s entertainment landscape – the first time a musical of this scale has been mounted in the region.

“This is more than just a musical—it’s a celebration of Dubai’s incredible energy and global status. We are bringing together a world-class team and creating something truly unique that blends music, storytelling, and the spirit of this extraordinary city. We can’t wait to share this experience with audiences here and around the world. Something never seen before – one that’s exclusively made in Dubai, by the people of Dubai, for the rest of the world,” said Boukris, the man behind Robin Hood musical that’s sold over 1 million tickets across Europe so far. “This is the first time a musical of this magnitude has been planned in the region, and we’re certain this will go a long way in reshaping Dubai’s cultural landscape.”

“Once Upon A Time in Dubai” is expected to be performed in front of at least 150,000 spectators in Dubai before embarking on an international tour and an exciting screen adaptation, making it Dubai’s first truly global production of a scale and vision never before conceived in the region.

A Stellar Creative Team

The musical score is composed by Nazim Khaled, a leading European composer for singers like Kendji Girac, renowned for crafting hits that resonate globally and have garnered over 4 billion views globally. The music for “Once Upon A Time in Dubai” is a unique blend of chart-topping songs and evocative compositions that drive the narrative forward. Ahead of the musical’s release, fans can expect a debut single and a music video , offering a taste of the musical magic to come.

The director of the show is Johan Nus, well-known in the Middle-East for his work on Arabs Got Talent or The Masked Singer, and as executive producer, Gilles Papain, who has worked on shows like Celine in Las Vegas, Disney World of Colors in California, and Christian Louboutin’s show at the Crazy Horse in Paris.

An Unforgettable Story

Set in the heart of Dubai, the show tells the story of Will, a young artist who moves from London to Dubai to reunite with his partner, Sophia, and pursue his dream of producing a musical extravaganza. The narrative weaves together themes of love, ambition, and the vibrant culture of Dubai, promising an unforgettable journey for audiences.

Casting Announcement: Open Call for Talent

At a glittering event in Dubai, the production team also announced the launch of an open casting call for seven singers and 20 dancers of all nationalities to bring the musical’s dynamic characters to life. “This is a rare opportunity for performers from all backgrounds to be part of something truly special. We’re not just looking for talent; we’re looking for passion and diversity to help us bring this vibrant story to life. Dubai is a city of dreams for all of us, and this production is a reflection of that thought process. We’re excited to showcase the incredible energy and creativity that this region has to offer,” added Boukris. “This groundbreaking musical will not just be a show but a celebration of Dubai’s status as a global hub for culture and innovation.”

Present at the event, Mark Flower, Vice President Commercial Market Strategy, Middle East, Africa and Turkiye at Accor said: “ This is a fantastic partnership between ALL, the award-winning booking platform and loyalty programme by Accor and Once Upon a Time and Universal Music through a truly immersive musical experience. This collaboration embodies our vision of augmented hospitality by bringing together travel, culture, and entertainment.” He continued: “ For Once Upon a Time, it offers access and visibility to members of ALL and exposure at over 84 properties in the United Arab Emirates across Accor’s portfolio of participating brands including Raffles, Fairmont, Ennismore’s SLS, Sofitel, Swissotel, Mövenpick, Pullman, Mercure, Ibis and more. For Members of ALL, it unlocks a world of Limitless Experiences through VIP tickets, meet-and-greets, and exclusive behind-the-scenes access, creating unforgettable money-can’t-buy experiences. Together, we are fostering innovation and inspiring new ways of connecting people and cultures all around the world.”

Recording for the album is expected to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2024 with release of the first single scheduled by year’s end.