By Chris Padilla
Two years ago, actress Amber Heard wrote an op-ed for The Washington Post that was widely interpreted to be at least in part about her ex-husband, actor Johnny Depp.
In the op-ed, she said speaking out about being a victim in a domestic abuse case made her a target for the public’s ire and that her abuser was protected from retribution.
In the wake of the abuse allegations, Depp’s career seemingly suffered a downturn with avid criticism and Depp’s lawyer alleged that Depp would be dropped from the “Pirates of the Caribbean” films.
Heard, on the other hand, would go on to find success, getting the high profile role of Mera in the film “Aquaman” and became one of the faces of the #MeToo movement.
Last week, the Daily Mail revealed audio that tells a different story, one where Heard looks to be the alleged abuser instead.
The two audio files seemingly paint a picture of a harried and frightened Depp attempting to reason with someone who has harmed him more than once.
This puts the #MeToo movement in an interesting place, since it seemingly makes Heard into the straw man that detractors of the movement often envision: a woman is falsely accusing a man of abuse.
With this occurring, should we still agree that we need to believe the victims of abuse and violence immediately?
Of course.
There is no question that Heard’s actions, if they are as Depp describes them to be, are monstrous.
But this is only one case, an exception rather than the rule.
The #MeToo movement gives women the courage to call out their abusers even in the face of overwhelming negative public opinion.
Far more people need to have their voices heard when they call out those in power than people who are brazen enough to abuse the system for their own gain.
Imagine if someone used their power and influence to commit a crime against another person, had it videotaped and submitted to the police as evidence, only to walk off scot-free.
Well, you don’t have to imagine it, because it happened.
According to the BBC, R. Kelly allegedly urinated on and had sex with an underage girl, only to be found not guilty.
Two years later, he was allegedly caught with underage pornography only to have the charges dropped against him.
That is why we need to believe the accusers until proven otherwise, because people like R. Kelly can get away with essentially being caught red-handed because of the power and influence they wield.
It is a credit to the #MeToo movement that the weight of accusations against Harvey Weinstein have finally proven enough to see him on trial, despite allegedly sexually harassing or raping dozens women for decades with impunity.
Ultimately, #MeToo applies in the case of Heard and Depp as well.
Although not a woman, Depp is an alleged victim as well and given the evidence, should be believed.
