The defamation lawsuit between Amber Heard and Johnny Depp in the United States and its television broadcast would have a “potentially catastrophic” impact for victims of domestic violence, women’s organizations said.
The six-week trial in Fairfax court, near Washington, resulted in the great unpacking of the private life of the Hollywood star couple, who have accused each other of violence.
The jury’s decision was in favor on Wednesday pirates of the Caribbean and awarded him more than $ 10 million in damages. They ruled that the 36-year-old actress had abused her ex-husband by pretending to be a public figure representing victims of domestic violence in a column published in 2018, even without mentioning Johnny Depp.
Judge Penney Azcarate decided to allow the hearings to be televised for this case which was fully publicized, despite opposition from Amber Heard’s attorneys.
For Michele Dauber, a law professor at Stanford University and sexual assault activist on campus, this is the worst decision the court has made in decades for victims. According to him, this decision shows a deep ignorance of sexual violence on the part of the judge.
” I think our society does not yet understand the dynamics of domestic violence. “
According to her, Amber Heard needed to describe her alleged rape in rough detail on television. All women and victims are shocked and must be hurt, whether they agree with the verdict or not..
The last time a rape victim was forced to testify publicly was in 1983, he said.
There is no public interest in this matter that could possibly outweigh the damage it causedinsisted Michelle Dauber, who believes that, from now on, each victim will think twice before moving forward, asking for a restraining order or telling anyone about the abuse they suffered.
” Women can be hurt, even killed, for not asking for help. This case is a complete disaster. This is potentially catastrophic. “
The trial fascinated a global audience, who were not accustomed to witnessing such accusations within a couple. That, whatever the opinions on the verdict, is a problem, also warns Ruth Glenn, president of the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV).
This important context was not adequately discussed during the court proceedings, he believes. For him, there is No doubt about the types of abuse that come up at trial.
You need to make sure that those present understand it. Until we do, don’t show this thing on TVhe warned.
The insulting messages Michele Dauber received for commenting on the lawsuit on Twitter also illustrate, according to her, the growing opposition to women’s rights in the United States, in the context of threats to the Supreme Court’s abortion rights.
Public opinion supported Johnny Depp because his accuser insulted and ridiculed him openly misogynistic on social media, he said.
Amber Heard suffered the torture of tar and feathers is metaphoricalsaid Michele Dauber, as the judgment was welcomed by American rights.
The case also raises the question about the future of the #MeToo movement, which was born in 2017 to encourage women to denounce perpetrators of harassment and sexual assault.
Backfire
It’s impossible not to see this as a backlash for #MeToo. The women have gone too far. Ladies, we have listened to you and condemned some men. Don’t be too greedywrites user on Reddit.
But Tarana Burke, founder of #MeToo, confirmed that on Twitter this movement is very much alive. She calls for a focus on the courage of millions of women to denounce violence rather than on legal battles, won or lost.
Ruth Glenn wants to be seen at trial a reminder of the work we still have to do.
This is a perfect example of a case influencing a culturehe explained.
Source: Radio-Canada
