Netflix's latest documentary series, Depp v. Heard, examines the high-profile defamation trial between Johnny Depp and Amber Heard. The three-part series delves into the negative social media attention and online hatred towards Heard that dominated the internet and potentially impacted the trial's outcome. The trial began in April 2022 and concluded with a unanimous verdict in favor of Depp on three defamation claims and one in favor of Heard.
The trial gained significant media attention, with every moment televised due to Virginia's permission to have cameras in the courtroom. This allowed the trial to become an internet sensation, reminiscent of the O.J. Simpson trial. However, what set the Depp v. Heard trial apart was the scale of social media influence. The documentary explores how conversations and discussions happening online may have influenced the final verdict.
Director Emma Cooper made a deliberate decision to focus on the "conversation around the trial" and excluded interviews with Depp, Heard, and their legal teams. Instead, the series showcases the trial's live feed and the commentary from YouTube, TikTok, and other social media platforms.
With its exploration of the impact of social media on high-profile trials, Depp v. Heard raises important questions about the nature of truth and the role it plays in our modern society. The series is now streaming on Netflix, allowing viewers to engage with this captivating and controversial trial from a new perspective.