Saudi Arabia reacts to Johnny Depp winning defamation case against Amber Heard

Saudi women say the verdict will help men to speak up about domestic violence and mental health

Saudi women celebrated the verdict of the jury that cleared actor Johnny Depp of allegations by his former wife Amber Heard.

Depp, 58, sued actress Heard for $50 million, claiming she defamed him when she called herself "a public figure representing domestic abuse" in an opinion piece she wrote for The Washington Post.

Heard, 36, counter-sued for $100m, saying Depp smeared her reputation when his lawyer called her accusations "a hoax".

The jury on Wednesday found Depp should be awarded just over $10 million, with $2 million awarded to Heard.

"You have to hear both sides of the story," said Dr Yousra, in Jeddah. "This brings out a lot of topics regarding mental health for men, which are often unheard of."

She said the "Me Too" movement made men apprehensive about calling for help and speaking about abuse.

"Many things can be misconstrued using the context of 'Me Too' and this unfortunately made men afraid of sharing incidents of physical and mental abuse," Dr Yousra said.

"This trial, of course, shows the toxic relationship they both shared, but the bigger picture here highlights domestic abuse men go through in silence, get side-lined or don't have a voice."

"This is a man who has power, fame and money but one woman was able to destroy his reputation just using words. That's the society we live in.

"When we talk about equal rights, what happened today, his victory, is a true representation of it."

From people watching videos in the background at work to family meals being dominated by conversations about domestic abuse, the ins and outs of the case have been a national conversation.

Many people in the kingdom have been closely following the six-week trial and stayed up late to watch the jury's verdict when it was delivered.

"Feels great that finally the truth won," says Yasmin Ahmed, a social worker in Jeddah. "It shows you should never give up, it's extremely inspiring. You should fight for what is right because in the end, truth prevails."

Amber Heard hugs her lawyer, Elaine Bredehoft, after the jury found her liable for defamation against her ex-husband, Johnny Depp on June 1, 2022. Pool / EPA

Johnny Depp's lawyers Camille Vasquez and Ben Chew arrive to give a statement to the media outside the Fairfax County Courthouse after the jury found Heard liable for defamation. AP

Fans of Depp react to the verdict outside the Fairfax County Circuit Courthouse. EPA

Supporters Depp and supporters of Heard stand outside the courthouse during the trial. EPA

Amber Heard said her sister, Whitney Henriquez, got into a physical altercation with Johnny Depp. AP

Heard described several instances where she alleged Depp physically abused her – some of her testimony turning extremely graphic. AFP

Travis McGivern, a security guard for Depp, detailed a number of volatile arguments between Depp and Heard. EPA

A fan of Johnny Depp waits outside the courthouse in Fairfax, Virginia. AFP

Depp fans cheer outside the courthouse. Reuters

Clinical and forensic psychologist Shannon Curry testifies on behalf of Depp, saying Heard suffers from borderline personality disorder and histrionic personality disorder. She made the diagnosis after reviewing her medical records and speaking with her over 12 hours. EPA

Forensic psychologist Dawn Hughes said Heard suffered from PTSD due to the violence she allegedly experienced at Depp's hand. AP

Depp denied ever having struck Heard but admitted he has struggled with alcohol and drug use. EPA

Heard became emotional when giving details of alleged past abuse. AFP

Christi Dembrowski, Depp's older sister, said Heard had been verbally abusive towards him. AFP

Raquel Pennington, a friend of Heard, becomes emotional as a picture of Heard is seen on screen as evidence of alleged abuse. EPA

Kate Moss, a former girlfriend of Depp, said he did not push her down the stairs. EPA

A 'Pirates of the Caribbean'-themed vehicle sits in front of the courthouse. EPA

Depp's lawyer Camille Vasquez grilled Heard when she took the stand, often interrupting her. AFP

Fans cheer as Depp arrives at the courthouse. Hundreds of people queued overnight just to nab a seat in the courtroom. AFP

Depp's lawyer Camille Vasquez, 37, from Brown Rudnick, has made a strong impression on young women after footage of her cross-examining Heard went viral.

"It is so inspiring to so many, to others, especially men, now that they can believe their word is worth as much as a woman's and we can't let either gender take it for granted," said Ghalia Azam, a mother living in Jeddah.

"I loved his lawyers Camille and Ben. I think Camille has inspired many young girls to study law after her compelling work during the trial."

The trial has struck a nerve at a time when Saudi Arabia is witnessing social and economic changes as the government works to improve women's rights and offer increasing legal parity between men and women.

Depp wrote on Instagram after the verdict: "And six years later, the jury gave my life back. I am truly humbled."

The verdict came after the jury deliberated for 12 hours and 45 minutes over the course of three days.