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Johnny Depp court win hailed as 'victory against cancel culture', but abuse charities warn of fallout

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Johnny Depp court win hailed as 'victory against cancel culture', but abuse charities warn of fallout

Johnny Depp’s surprise courtroom triumph over Amber Heard was labelled as a “victory against cancel culture” on Wednesday night, as supporters rallied around the Pirates of the Caribbean star.

Amber Heard closed her eyes before the verdict was read at the Fairfax County Circuit Courthouse - Reuters

Reuters Amber Heard closed her eyes before the verdict was read at the Fairfax County Circuit Courthouse - Reuters

After six weeks of evidence, a jury of seven people found that Ms Heard’s claim that she was the victim of sexual violence was false, defamatory and made with “actual malice” in a result which echoed across America and the world.

It also raised questions about how women who say that they are victims of sexual abuse will be treated going forwards, with a number of charities pledging their support in the wake of the verdict.

Tomi Lahren, a host on America’s Fox Nation said: "I think this is a big victory in the battle against cancel culture.

“I would have had respect for Amber Heard if she would have penned an op-ed talking about how toxic relationships can be so damaging, and talking about getting yourself out of a toxic situation.

“I would have had respect for her if she had gone that route,” she told Talk TV.

“But she didn’t. She wanted to cancel Johnny Depp. The world watched her try to cancel Johnny Depp. And at the end of the day, she lost.”

Fans and press members gather outside the Fairfax County Courthouse in Fairfax, Virginia - Anadolu

Provided by The Telegraph Fans and press members gather outside the Fairfax County Courthouse in Fairfax, Virginia - Anadolu

Jack Posobiec, a right-wing podcast host, echoed those views.

“Johnny Depp's victory is a victory against Cancel Culture,” Mr Posobiec said.

“He stood up to the machine and their lies and he got his name back.”

The result came as a surprise to some people, given that Mr Depp lost a libel case less than two years ago against the Sun, which labelled him a "wife beater." A High Court judge in London ruled that he had repeatedly assaulted Ms Heard.

In the wake of her claims, and the High Court ruling, Mr Depp says he lost a number of high-paying film roles, including his most famous as Captain Jack Sparrow in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise.

His part in the Harry Potter spin-off ‘Fantastic Beasts’ was also recast following the High Court’s decision.

Throughout the proceedings in Fairfax, Virginia, fans who were overwhelmingly on Mr Depp's side lined up overnight for coveted courtroom seats. Spectators who couldn't get in gathered on the street to cheer Mr Depp and jeer Ms Heard whenever they appeared outside.

With an hour-and-a-half’s notice of the verdict, hundreds of people drove to the county courthouse to witness the seismic moment in person.

A cheer went up every single time the jury said ‘yes’ to questions on whether Ms Heard had defamed Mr Depp.

Amber Heard reacts next to her lawyer Elaine Bredehoft after the jury said that they believe she defamed ex-husband Johnny Depp - Reuters

© Provided by The Telegraph Amber Heard reacts next to her lawyer Elaine Bredehoft after the jury said that they believe she defamed ex-husband Johnny Depp - Reuters

Greg McCandless, 51, a retired private detective from Reston, Virginia, stood outside the courthouse wearing a pirate hat and red head scarf.

"I do believe that there was defamation, and I do believe that it did hurt his career," Mr McCandless said. 

"I think the jury heard the evidence, and the verdict was just."

Mr Depp’s lawyers, Benjamin Chew and Camille Vasquez made brief statements afterwards.

“We are most pleased that the trial has resonated for so many people in the public who value truth and justice,” Mr Chew said.

“Now that the jury has reached its conclusive verdict, it’s time to turn the page and look to the future.”

Both lawyers were greeted with huge cheers. One person shouted “Johnny for President,” while someone else asked Ms Vasquez if she would celebrate with a “megapint” - in reference to a large glass of wine Mr Depp was said to have drunk.

However, despite the jubilant scenes in Virginia, and in Newcastle, where Mr Depp learnt of the result in a pub garden, abuse survivor charities said the result means “victims have been made even more vulnerable to post separation abuse."

Clear path coalition UK, which is a network of survivor groups, said: “We are deeply sorry that victims have been made even more vulnerable to post separation abuse today.

"Please do reach out for support. Please take care of yourselves & prioritise self care & focusing on now, not what if. We are already working to increase support. Hang tight.”

Amber Heard said she was disappointed 'beyond words' by the verdict - AFP

© Provided by The Telegraph Amber Heard said she was disappointed 'beyond words' by the verdict - AFP

Refuge, the charity which works with domestic abuse survivors, said: “Our message to survivors of domestic abuse tonight is clear: if you need support, Refuge is here for you, round the clock. We will believe you and we will support you. You are not alone.”

On Twitter, Charlotte Portman, an academic and barrister said: “I’m getting messages from women saying they fear they’re going to be sued for speaking about the abuse they suffered. They have no money, no fame, no platform. They have their truth but that’s not enough, it’s never been enough.”

Sydnei Porter, who lives in Maryland, was still clutching a banner outside the courthouse which said: “We stand with Amber Heard.”

“It’s disappointing for women going forward and how they’ll have to bring even more evidence to court to show what happened to them - especially with some of the more high profile cases when it comes to domestic violence,” she said.

“It was very hard to watch the trial. I honestly could not watch some parts that she talked about. I don’t think the judge should have let cameras in and let it turn into a spectacle.”

Ms Heard has said she plans to appeal the verdict.

Maintaining that she was telling the truth, Ms Heard said in a statement that the decision “sets back the clock to a time when a woman who spoke up and spoke out could be publicly shamed and humiliated."

"It sets back the idea that violence against women is to be taken seriously." 

Reference: The Telegraph: Jamie Johnson

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