The ongoing debate of abuse between Johnny Depp and Amber Heard has finally been set in motion legally. After almost a month of trials, a lot has been revealed about their past relationship and what has happened leading up to this point. The trials are estimated to take about six weeks, and the current situation involves Heard taking the stand just two days ago, and Depp resting his case, getting closer to the end, and  the truth.

Back in 2016, Amber Heard declared herself as a victim of domestic abuse. Over the years she also claimed this abuse was sexual as well, resulting in, first, their divorce, followed by a restraining order she got against him. Then in 2018, Heard wrote an op-ed for the Washington Post about the abuse, causing Depp’s career to fumble and many contracts were cut, this being his reason to sue her for $50 million for defamation, along with getting recognition for claimed abuse from his ex-wife.

Evidence presented in court declares that both Depp and Heard engaged in intense arguments, or mutual abuse that resulted in many different outcomes. In Heard’s defense, there have been many images of her with bruises on her face and arms, along with the fact that her psychologist took the stand to report observations made from “29 hours of interviews, as well as interviews with her therapist” (USA Today), and declared that Heard suffers from PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). The lawyers on her side had provided the makeup palette she would carry around to cover up the bruises. Amber Heard is also a charitable donor to ACLU (American Civilized Liberty Union), an organization that supports gender-based violence, inferring that she is an ally, a victim, and one who wants to help others reach out.

Now, the evidence that Heard is the abuser, outweighs the evidence against Depp. Not only did the makeup brand expose the fact that the product Heard used to cover up didn’t come out until after she made the allegation, but her pledged “donation” of $1.3 million was given to the foundation by other people in her name. She alone only paid $350,000, as revealed by the organization, other payments were made from her former boyfriend Elon Musk and funds he’s associated with, another from a fidelity fund, and even one from Depp himself. There are also many video surveillance and audio recordings found in Depp’s favor. Videos such as Heard with James Franco allegedly after cheating when Depp was away, where they appear to be more than friends. Then audio recordings have revealed Amber Heard admitting to hitting him, and saying, “I can’t promise I won’t get physical again,” and explained in his testimony on many other instances where she would abuse him.

Also in his favor, the psychologist he hired to observe Heard came to the conclusion that she suffers from Borderline and Histrionic Personality Disorders, or overwhelming narcissism, and she was faking her symptoms of PTSD, and Heard’s psychologist denied that input. Depp also testified that Heard left “human fecal matters” on his side of the bed, and even severed his finger with a bottle during an argument.

There are many other times the pair were arguing and getting violent. They each have provided a large amount of evidence, but the main amount lies in Depp’s hands, and not to mention his thousands of supporters on social media defending him, and even trying to prove his case more, showing the mess of what goes on in the court. Although there is speculation from experts on Depp actually winning the lawsuit. As this trial finishes up, it’s shining light on toxic relationships which result in trauma that lives for the rest of people’s lives.

If you or someone you know is a victim of abuse, please reach each out for help.

1-800-799-7233 – Domestic Abuse

1-800-656-4673 – Sexual Abuse