Johnny Depp's Alleged Abuse: When Fame Beats Accountability | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Johnny Depp's Alleged Abuse: When Fame Beats Accountability

Celebrities have a history of being let off the hook when accusations of abuse and rape arise. Will Johnny Depp be added to that list?

15
Johnny Depp's Alleged Abuse: When Fame Beats Accountability
huffingtonpost.com

When famous people do something wrong or are even accused of doing something wrong, it tends to rub fans the wrong way. There are, unfortunately, plenty of examples of this happening in the recent and not-so-recent past. Bill Cosby, R. Kelly, David Bowie, Woody Allen and Jimmy Page are all examples of celebrities who have been charged or accused of rape, statutory rape or sexually assaulting minors. In the cases of R. Kelly and Bill Cosby, the celebrities were taken to court. David Bowie, who had underage sex with 14-year-old Lori Mattix in the 1970s, was not indicted or taken to court.

It can be difficult to accept it when a celebrity you've looked up to has been accused of something horrible. We want to deny their actions and say it's not true because we've placed them on a pedestal and idolize them. Their songs or the characters that they've portrayed have created an emotional bond that makes it hard to admit when maybe...they're not the person we thought they were.

But people still need to be held accountable for their actions, celebrity status or not. Music stars and famous actors shouldn't be able to get away with rape and abuse simply because of their profession--but more often than not, that's exactly what happens.

In the past few weeks, another well-loved celebrity has come into the spotlight for domestic abuse. Amber Heard has applied for a divorce from Johnny Depp on the grounds of physical and emotional abuse. Heard alleges that, two days before she filed for their divorce, Depp pulled at her hair, hit her in the face with a cellphone and verbally berated her. This is according to the court filings that have been presented in different media outlets.

“During the entirety of our relationship, Johnny Depp has been verbally and physically abusive,” Heard has said in a sworn statement. “He has a short fuse. He is often paranoid and his temper is exceptionally scary for me.”

The hashtag #IStandWithAmber has been trending on Twitter in the wake of Heard's allegations, largely due to the reaction of Depp's fans. Many have accused her of lying about the abuse for financial gain, despite photographic evidence she's presented.

To abuse victims, Heard is in a situation that is familiar to many. No amount of evidence or testimony or defensive action seems to be enough to convince the world that a crime has taken place. Kind of like what's going on with Kesha.

According to NBC News, there is currently no criminal investigation into Heard’s allegations of abuse. Her restraining order against Depp expires on June 17, which is when the next hearing of her and Depp's divorce will take place.

I have been a fan of Johnny Depp for years. I've loved his movies, I've loved his characters. But I can't support a person who has been accused of abuse, no matter who they are.

And personally, if someone thinks that Heard is going through the processes of a divorce, a restraining order, filing photographic evidence and the emotional tax of having to explain herself in front of millions of fans just for attention or for money, they most likely do not understand the hostile situation that abuse survivors face when they attempt to get protection for themselves.

It's understandable to be upset, disappointed and betrayed that one of your favorite celebrities has committed a crime. But Johnny Depp fans should take a second and consider what their real priorities are if they find themselves defending Depp and condemning Heard.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

187518
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

13162
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

456565
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

25814
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments