The whole world seems to have watched the recent trial between actors, Amber Heard and Johnny Depp. Ms. Heard holds herself out as an advocate for the “Me Too” movement in her claim that her former husband, Johnny Depp abused her emotionally and physically. However, Ms. Heard’s claim is undercut by the absence of any other alleged abused victims of Mr. Depp. After all, one must ask the question, “Where is the ‘too’ or ‘also’ in her claim of abuse? Where are the other women in Johnny’s life who were also abused?” In fact, Amber’s claim that Johnny pushed British model, and former girlfriend, Kate Moss down the stairs was contradicted by Kate. Ms. Moss testified that Johnny actually helped her after she slipped and fell down the stairs. She further testified that Johnny carried her to her room and sought out medical attention.
Additionally, during the trial there were many mandatory reporters of abuse presented as witnesses, such as police officers, therapists, nurses and medical doctors. However, none of these witnesses ever reported the alleged abuse of Ms. Heard. Surprisingly, Ms. Heard claims that her former husband sexually assaulted her with a vodka bottle, and yet, she did not seek medical attention. Clearly, such an assault would leave severe and serious injuries, which begs the question, “Why didn’t Amber see a doctor?” As the Depp legal team stated, Amber appears to have made some outrageous and outlandish claims, all of which defy logic.
Additionally, Mr. Depp’s legal team presented a recording in which Amber informed Johnny that no one would believe he was a victim of domestic violence at her hands. Amber admitted that she strikes Johnny but that he should basically suck it up and be a man. Amber essentially emasculated Johnny for not being man enough to tolerate her violence. If a man were to say to a woman, “Come on, suck it up; it was just a slap or a punch; stop exaggerating”, no one would accept this absurdity. To my mind, Johnny Depp is a hero for shedding light on the fact that men are also abused by their intimate partners, and there is no shame in asking for help. There is nothing effeminate in a man admitting that his intimate partner is abusing him. Men, like women, are abused, and society needs to hear and validate this message. Why not start a “Men Too” movement, alongside the “Me Too” movement? These two movements are not in conflict: they complement each other in that the message is the same – abuse is unacceptable, whether the victim is a man or a woman.
Further, this trial shed light on the fact that there are members of society who may actually use the “Me Too” movement to further their own agendas, whether it be advancing their careers, seeking revenge against their intimate partners, manipulating child custody hearings and so on. Certainly, the Depp team presented evidence that Ms. Heard fabricated the abuse claims in order to promote herself as an advocate of the “Me Too” movement. If this is indeed true, then Ms. Heard has adversely affected women who are indeed abused because the actor has undermined the integrity of this movement. In short, she has created a climate of suspicion surrounding this movement. This is grossly unfair to true victims of domestic violence who, unlike Amber, do not have six million dollars to spend on attorney fees.
In conclusion, the Amber Heard and Johnny Depp trial screams out for a new movement, the “Men Too” movement to address the fact that men are also abused by their intimate partners, and there is no shame in articulating this and seeking assistance. Contrary to Amber’s assertion, there is nothing effeminate about a man who tells his wife that she is abusing him, and that it is wrong, morally and legally. Society, the legal system, including the judiciary and the police, should make men comfortable when they do step forward and ask for help. These men should not be regarded as less than masculine or weak. Just as society supports female victims of abuse, we should also support male victims of abuse. Let’s start, a “Men Too” movement.
