Thread by @DrProudman

1/ Amber is not a liar. She is one of millions of women who sought justice in a system that failed her. I stood with her from the start, I stand with her now. I share my thoughts on settling Depp’s defamation claim & what it means for survivors.🧵
independent.co.uk/voices/amber-h…

2/ I have always fought for victims of domestic abuse. I stand up for women. It’s what I do, this case was no different. I saw this case for what it was: the silencing of a victim. When we speak up about abuse (#MeToo), we have the power to challenge the system & male dominance.

3/ The hate that anyone who publicly stood with Amber was immense - but nothing compared to the death threats that Amber suffered. Many of my circle who stood with her are globally renowned in their field. We were all targeted. Today I received 3 complaints from Depp stans.

4/ Amber spoke up about the abuse she suffered in a court of law to an audience of millions who sat behind their laptop screens and laughed at her. She was brave and courageous even when faced by her alleged abuser. She was debased as a human, as a woman, and as a survivor.

5/ I always knew the media hated women but this case highlighted misogny. TikTok, memes, the bottle-shaped sex toy, profiteering youtube channels: all revolting, and painful. The effect this had on victims was damaging. It deterred many from speaking out for fear of being sued.

6/ Women told me they feared if they were not seen as the ‘perfect victim’ they would be depicted as the villain. Others told me that ‘Amber Heard’ was being used as a slur to smear a victim’s credibility, “she’s pulling an Amber” which meant she was lying and deserved abuse.

7/ The US trial revealed something even more harrowing: there is no such thing as the ‘perfect victim’. If women don't fight back they’re complicit, if they do we’re part of the problem. If we speak out we’re lairs, if we’re silent we’re guilty.

8/ I tweeded, wrote, spoke, and did as much as I could to educate people not to blindly hate Amber Heard. Some listened, others were in denial. The love and loyalty for a man they felt for a man they had never met is frightening. Depp represented #NotAllMen

9/ Many were in denial their favourite bad boy ’90s heartthrob was capable of what he was accused of. Despite a High Court Judge in England and Wales finding that Depp abused Heard on 12 of 14 occasions and thus he is a ‘wife beater’. Depp lost his appeal. thesun.co.uk/news/13082970/…

10/ After years of being caged, Amber is free. She is free to speak her truth and for one, I’m excited. When one person speaks up and shares her story others follow. She is not gagged, there are no restrictions, and she made no admission of wrongdoing. She is FREE.

11/ Depp, his PR team, the media, and random haters thought they had broken her. They couldn't be more wrong. Out of this trial, a community has been created. Filled with actors, lawyers, academics, activists, survivors, politicians, and more.

12/ This community is dedicated to the truth and to protecting women. I am proud to be a part of that community. I would like to say a massive thank you @Eve_Barlow @DrJessTaylor @AnnOlivarius @DrEmmaKatz @KimM_C @kattenbarge @cbouzy Professor Dauber, and so many more.

13/ I will continue to fight for the freedom for all women and victims. #thefeministbarrister