Rolling in the Depp — How Defamation Hurt Captain Jack Sparrow

     Defamation seems to be something that could cause a lot of upset in someone's life. It is defined as a message that tends to hurt someone's reputation. There are different forms of defamation but the case in which I am discussing today is primarily concerning libel. Libel is a written statement of defamation. When studying these materials, one court case that I am very familiar with came to mind. The court cases concerning Johnny Depp and Amber Heard were fairly publicized examples of defamation and libel. 

— September, 2015

    A Bit of Background —

    Depp and Heard married when she was 22 and he was 45. The marriage did not last long and soon they were divorced. However before they were divorced, Heard enacted a restraining order against her soon-to-be ex-husband. According to sources, Heard was photographed with marks on her face after claiming Depp had abused her both verbally and physically while under the influence of drugs and alcohol. Of course, Depp denied these claims and thus began the series of court hearings. 

Libel in the UK — 

    The first case was heard in the UK, which has slightly different laws for libel than the US does. The differences lie within the burden of proof. The burden of proof is the obligation of a party to prove what has been stated is true or false. In the US the burden of proof falls on the party that libel is being used against meaning the individual being accused has to provide viable proof that the statements are false. In the United Kingdom, the burden of proof falls on the party that is using the tactic of libel. They must prove what they are saying is true.

Outcome of the Cases —

    Unfortunately, Depp lost his case in the UK and was found guilty and shortly filed a lawsuit for defamation against Heard in the US. He also lost this case and has since been pulled from multiple film projects as well as other projects. These court rulings have greatly affect Depp's career, fanbase, and personal life. This just goes to show how forms of defamation can harm not only a person's reputation but also their life. 

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