Why Are People Suddenly Supporting Amber Heard?

Since the trial between Johnny Depp and Amber Heard concluded, a significant shift in public opinion has been observed. This change in support for Heard is more than just a brief moment of backlash against Depp; it is a broader reflection on the truth behind their public dispute and the manipulation of support from both Depp's and Heard's supporters.

Revealing Information Through Unsealed Documents

Shortly after the trial, Depp's supporters paid to have sealed court documents released, hoping to expose more dirt on Amber Heard. However, these documents ended up revealing information that reflected poorly on Depp:

Friendship with Marilyn Manson: Court documents showed that Depp was friends with Marilyn Manson, and in one instance, Manson even asked Depp to hide him from the law. Sexual Intoxication: Depp's ex-girlfriend Ellen Barkin testified that Depp drugged her before they had sex, highlighting his inappropriate behavior. Divorce Settlement: Heard passed up tens of millions of dollars she was entitled to in the divorce against her lawyers' advice, which refutes the "gold digger" narrative. Lack of Medical Evaluation: Depp avoided a medical evaluation required of Heard, indicating that he did not claim a specific injury. Allegations of Evidence Manipulation: Depp's evidence, including photographs and audio, were allegedly edited. Intimidation: Adam Waldman, Depp's fixer/lawyer, allegedly intimidated a witness. Revenge Porn: Depp tried to introduce Heard's nudes as evidence in a live-streamed trial, which is considered revenge porn.

These court documents, which were paid for by Depp's supporters, unveiled a much darker picture of Depp's behavior and actions.

The Manipulation of Public Support

The apparent overwhelming support for Depp was, in fact, manipulated through the use of bots and harassment:

Bots and Harassment: The internet was flooded with bots to make it appear that support for Depp was universal, while dissenting voices were harassed by Depp supporters. I had numerous experiences of being defamed and harassed online for supporting Heard, while others faced more severe consequences, including doxing. Saudi Bots: Further investigation revealed that much of the support for Depp and harassment of Heard came from Saudi bots. This is surprising given the potential political connections between Depp and Saudi officials. Adam Waldman’s Background: Adam Waldman, who used to work for the Kremlin and was introduced to Depp by a member of the Saudi government, also played a role in this manipulation. His involvement suggests the breadth and depth of the institutional power Heard faced.

The Natural Dissipation of Support

After the trial, most people moved on, including the bots and trolls who were supporting Depp. This natural dissipation of support meant that there was no longer the same pressure to either support Depp or remain silent. As a result, people who supported Heard could speak openly without the instant backlash:

This shift in public opinion serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking truth and acknowledging the manipulation tactics used in online discourse. As the public continues to scrutinize the trial and its aftermath, it is clear that the support for Amber Heard is not a fleeting moment but a recognition of the facts.