Trial should empower male victims

OPINION:

Johnny Depp and Amber Heard put the Fairfax County, Virginia, courthouse on the map with their recent trial (“Jury awards Johnny Depp $15M in damages in libel suit against Amber Heard, gives her $2M,” Web, June 1). Though the case received tremendous media attention and drew crowds, it was of greater significance than the hoopla surrounding it.

The highly skilled Depp legal team was meticulously well-prepared and did an outstanding job of presenting their case. Mr. Depp came across as genuine, openly admitting his previous alcohol and drug addictions, and acknowledging his imperfections. He appeared forthright in his testimony and a bona fide victim.

Ms. Heard, on the other hand, did not come across as credible. Her demeanor frequently gave the impression that she was being manipulative and possibly employing her acting skills during testimony.

This case illustrates a number of important issues not only about defamation but about intimate-partner violence. It reinforces the fact that males can be and are the victim of domestic violence. Males should feel empowered to come forward and hold their abusers accountable.

While many women are genuine victims of interpersonal violence, this case highlights that there are also females who make false claims of victimhood.

The case shows that defamation is real, and the damage that can be done as a result of it has profound and deleterious impact. Culprits should be held accountable.

KAREN L. BUNE

Adjunct professor, victimology, Marymount University

McLean, Virginia