hearing amber

Your abusive partner doesn't have a probem with his anger; he has a problem with your anger
~Lundy Bancroft

The jury is out, deliberating until tomorrow. There has been so much social media coverage it is hard to get the truth. But for those with eyes to see, I think justice will prevail. 

Here's what I see: overwhelming public support for a master of deception who has no proof for claims of innocence, while the real victim is mercilessly mocked and scorned for having alluded to a truth nobody wants to hear. 

What has she done that has landed her the role of scapegoat? Denounce a Hollywood golden boy for his misconduct? She never publicly aired the details of their abusive relationship until he forced her to do so by filing a lawsuit in a state where court proceedings are filmed, staging the perfect set for a hearing in the court of public opinion.

An alarming number of Depp supporters are blind to the basic facts that disprove his case of defamation. On several documented occasions, he lost control of himself while high. He destroyed property, grabbed his wife, and said and did cruel and demeaning things to her. He admitted that he was unable to recall his behavoiur sometimes, even when he was not high, and also recognized wrongdoing in personal written confessions in which he attributed his actions to "the monster" living inside of him. That is abuse. Case closed.

None of this makes other facts about him untrue. On the stand Depp was calm, cool and collected. He strode confidently in and out of the courtroom, shaking the hands of security guards*. He had a cute smile that he tried unsuccessfully to conceal with his hand in court, betrayed by the amused tilt of his head under his brimmed hat and those dimples poking out the side... awwww

Seriously though, abuse and charm are frequently flipsides of the same person. I wish we all could see.

*he is also known outside the courtroom for public displays of kindness toward those of lower socioeconomic standing, even women