30 May Amber Heard vs. Johnny Depp and allegations of domestic abuse
He has perhaps one of the most widely recognized names in Hollywood. An extremely versatile and delightfully eccentric actor, Johnny Depp is probably most well-known for his roles as Benny, Willy Wonka, and especially Captain Jack Sparrow. Depp has been decorated with numerous awards and enjoys international fame.
She is an actress on the rise. Most well known for her roles in Never Back Down and Pineapple Express in 2008, the beautiful Amber Heard has made a name for herself in Hollywood appearing in Magic Mike XXL and the Best Picture-nominated The Danish Girl, in the last few years.
The two seemed to be a match made in Hollywood.
However, high-profile Hollywood relationships often dissolve under the pressure of the paparazzi. The fame means the nuances of the relationships end up plastered on social media, tabloid magazines, or worse: As viral internet memes when a couple, for instance, fails to claim two small dogs and are arrested by Australian customs…
When Heard and Depp released their video begging to be released from Australian customs and to get their dogs back, the couple seemed cute, happy, and experiencing the very epitome of #FirstWorldProblems.
However, the world has learned that was not the case. Just a few weeks later, on May 23, 2016, Heard filed for divorce from Captain Sparrow. Many were shocked that the couple with the Yorkies stuck in customs was getting a divorce. Why, Hollywood, why?!
The headlines surrounding this issue kept rolling through news feeds, but took an unfortunate and very serious turn. It seemed this divorce was not just another Hollywood couple calling it quits. On May 27, 2016, Heard filed for and obtained a domestic violence restraining order against Depp, alleging the actor had abused her May 22, 2016, using a photo of her bruised face as evidence.
Three weeks after Heard filed for divorce she rescinded her request for spousal support. The reason? This public figure claiming to be a victim of abuse is, in turn, being accused of lying, of fabricating the alleged abuse in an attempt to secure premature spousal support, and in higher amounts. Heard has faced scrutiny in the public eye and is being labeled as a “gold-digger” for her attempt to get any support from her husband. Indeed, there is even an “I’m with Depp” hashtag floating around. So, in what appears to be an attempt to fight that gold digger label, Heard withdrew her request for spousal support. It is unclear whether this move will shift the focus to the alleged domestic violence, or if Depp supporters will continue to focus on attacking Heard.
The allegations against Depp are still very new, and no trial has yet occurred to determine their merit. There are of course a lot of unanswered questions in this matter, like for example, why the hearing regarding the restraining order Heard has against Depp was postponed (originally scheduled for June 17, 2016). Depp and his counsel continue to deny the allegations of domestic abuse.
However, it is undeniable that there is a long-standing trend of questioning domestic violence victims and making excuses for domestic abusers. This is a major contributor to victims fearing stepping forward, rather than feeling empowered to stand up for themselves, come forward, and reject abuse from any source—even loved ones.
The attorneys at BAM have years of experience advocating for victims of domestic abuse and have created a firm culture in which clients will be listened to, fought for, and protected as best as is possible throughout the domestic legal process. BAM is the firm to call at 303-331-6432 if you believe you are experiencing domestic abuse and are looking for help to get out. This is legal information and not legal advice. If you are interested in obtaining legal advice, schedule a consultation with one of our attorneys today.
Further resources:
http://www.stoprelationshipabuse.org/pdfs/ReadingList.pdf
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