Silence descended on the courtroom. Amber HeardMusk went out with her for several months and says that he was heartbroken when she left him. bowed her head. The jury read its verdict: the actress was guiltyResponsible for doing something wrong.  of defaming her ex-husband, Johnny Depp, when she described herself as a victim of domestic abuse. 

The case rested on a single article, written by Amber Heard and published in The Washington Post in 2018. It was titled: "I spoke up against sexual violence - and faced our culture's wrath". 

In the article, Heard wrote that she had become "a public figure representing domestic abuse". She did not name Depp, but he sued her for defamation.

For seven weeks, millions watched online as the court heard lurid details about the couple's relationship. Videos emerged of violent outbursts and Heard admitted to at times being violent. 

But for many, Wednesday evening's verdict was merely a formality. Online, a consensus was reached weeks ago: Heard must be lying. 

Depp has a legion of adoring fans. Videos with the hashtag #justiceforjohnnydepp have 18 billion views on TikTok. 

The emergence of texts sent by Depp, in which he fantasised about killing Heard, did not dent the confidence in his innocence. 

Writer Moira Donegan believes the abuse aimed at Heard is about more than just the trial. She argues that it is part of a wider misogynisticStrong and deeply ingrained prejudice against women.  backlash against #MeTooThe movement began following allegations against Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein. Weinstein was found guilty of sexual assault in 2020.. 

"While most of the vitriol is nominally directed at Heard, it is hard to shake the feeling that really, it is directed at all women," writes Donegan. "And in particular, at those of us who spoke out about gendered abuse and sexual violence during the height of the #MeToo movement." 

"One woman has been made into a symbol of a movement that many view with fear and hatred, and she's being punished for that movement."

Donegan fears that the hatred faced by Heard will prevent other women from coming forward with stories of domestic abuse. "Women's speech just became a lot less free," she summarises.  

Others disagree. They say this case is about two individuals, not an entire movement. The extraordinary fame of one, Johnny Depp, and the live stream of the trial to millions distorted the public response.

But for now, many believe that the result of the courtroom drama could impact how stories of sexual and domestic abuse are told for years to come.

Yes: Amber Heard has faced an extreme and unprecedented level of abuse online. Now, many women will think twice before talking publicly about domestic abuse and sexual violence.

No: This was a case about two individuals. The jury made their decision based on the often confusing evidence in front of them. The reaction has nothing to do with a wider movement or societal misogyny.

Or... The Depp v Heard defamation trial had all the ingredients for an online drama: a live streamed trial, celebrity witnesses and shocking events behind closed doors. It is no wonder tensions ran high.