Amber Heard responds to Johnny Depp’s TikTok message: ‘Women’s rights are moving backward’ | Ents & Arts News

Amber Heard has responded to Johnny Depp joining TikTok and amassing millions of followers after winning his libel trial against her.

Describing himself as an “occasional thespian”, Depp thanked his “treasured, loyal and unwavering” fans for their support in a video shared on the social media platform on Tuesday, just under a week after the verdicts were delivered in the high-profile US lawsuit.

The actor, who now has 7.6 million followers on the site, told fans they would “all move forward together”.

In a statement sent to US entertainment magazine People, a spokesperson for Heard, 36, responded to the video by saying: “As Johnny Depp says he’s ‘moving forward’, women’s rights are moving backward.

“The verdict’s message to victims of domestic violence is… be afraid to stand up and speak out.”

Despite Heard’s allegations of abuse throughout the six-week trial, which took place on camera, the jury found that a column she wrote for The Washington Post about domestic violence was defamatory and awarded $10.35m (£8.2m) in damages to Depp, even though the article did not name him.

Heard won on one count of her counter-claim, successfully arguing that Depp’s attorney defamed her by claiming her allegations were “an abuse hoax” aimed at capitalising on the #MeToo movement, and the jury awarded her $2 million (£1.5 million) in damages.

However, the overall verdict was a win for Depp, who said Heard’s allegations had had a “seismic impact” on his life and career.

“From the very beginning, the goal of bringing this case was to reveal the truth, regardless of the outcome,” he said after the verdicts were delivered.

“Speaking the truth was something that I owed to my children and to all those who have remained steadfast in their support of me. I feel at peace knowing I have finally accomplished that.”

Heard said she was “heartbroken” and felt “disappointment beyond words” following the verdicts and reportedly intends to appeal.

One of her lawyers, Elaine Bredehoft, told US news show Today that the actress intends to appeal the case’s outcome.

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Depp was not in court for the jury findings and has instead been touring the UK with the musician Jeff Beck.

On Sunday evening, he booked out an entire 300-cover curry house in Birmingham.

Meanwhile, Depp’s lawyer Camille Vasquez has been promoted to partner at her law firm following the actor’s trial.

Ms Vasquez became popular on social media during the six-week trial, held at Fairfax County District Court in Virginia, and was known for her occasionally heated exchanges with defence witnesses.