Amidst the sensational Depp v. Heard defamation trial, it seems like the general public was torn in two.
Although Johnny Depp won the defamation case, his reputation took a brutal hit, and has yet to fully recover. The star who brought Captain Jack Sparrow to life went from being a heartthrob known for iconic roles and massive talent to being nothing but an abusive husband overnight.
Credit: Disney
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That’s not to say Amber Heard’s reputation hasn’t suffered. If anything, she may have suffered more, as her reputation may never return to what it once was.
After all, survivors of domestic abuse often suffer social consequences once they come forward, even when they do everything the ‘correct’ way. Imagine going up against one of Hollywood’s golden boys, someone who has more fame, more money, more success, and a better public image than you. You could argue that Heard never even stood a chance.
Even with well-documented evidence, Amber Heard lost the defamation case and continues to suffer the consequences.
Amber Heard’s Own Evidence Used Against Her
Credit: DC Comics/Warner Bros.
READ MORE: Amid Threats, Amber Heard Needs More Protection After Johnny Depp Trial
One of her pieces of evidence was none other than a makeup product by Milani Cosmetics, an “All In One Correcting Kit.” A color-correcting kit often comes with multiple shades of pigmented cream, meant for covering up naturally occurring discoloration.
But in the case of Amber Heard versus Johnny Depp, this “All In One Correcting Kit” was allegedly used to cover up bruises and other marks, relying on this makeup product to hide the physical remnants of Depp’s physical abuse.
Reportedly, Heard used this product as early as 2016. However, when this came to light, Milani Cosmetics was quick to jump in on the sensationalism of the trial, claiming that this product hadn’t hit the market until 2017:
@milanicosmetics You asked us… let the record show that our Correcting Kit launched in 2017!👀 #milanicosmetics
READ MORE: Johnny Depp/Amber Heard Trial Being Made Into a Movie
Over a year later, Milani Cosmetics made a post celebrating Women’s Equality Day, only to be slammed by criticism for the brand’s actions.
do u remember when amber heard used a color-correcting milani palette as a court prop & y’all took her out of context to frame her as a liar AND create a space for others to laugh at her? now it’s “happy women’s day”?? lolz. https://t.co/ZCEGwmg93O
— 𝒦❦ (@femaletrag3dy) August 26, 2023
Observers pointed out that Milani’s previous TikTok video made light of the Depp v. Heard conflict, taking Heard’s alleged suffering and mocking it.
We didn’t forget y’all tried to gain clout over a DV/Defamation trial btw
— miss poopie (@k1llacourt) August 28, 2023
Not only that, but Milani has also been accused of taking the unpleasant situation and using it for internet ‘clout’ and publicity.
Observers and Fans Alike Have Named a New Enemy In The Depp v. Heard Conflict
Credit: ABC
Milani’s video was undoubtedly in poor taste, and observers even accuse the makeup brand of encouraging dogpiling behavior, one of the many consequences domestic abuse survivors endure after coming forward.
there’s something very sinister about companies dangling between putting on a feminist facade when it’s profitable and joining the trendiest misogyny hate campaign when it’s even more profitable. and like, all social justice movements are being hijacked by this type of company, https://t.co/zGl8kydXtt
— lynchian joan of arc (@postnuclearjoan) August 27, 2023
Although Johnny Depp won the defamation case, there’s no way for any of us to know for sure what happened within the marriage, including the abuse both parties may have suffered.
In the age of social media and parasocial relationships, it’s incredibly easy to forget that celebrities are also people deserving of privacy, even from other public figures and brands.
