Defamation and the Depp-Heard Verdict

This episode contains strong language and details of a sexual assault accusation.

Since a jury ruled in favor of Johnny Depp in his defamation case against his ex-wife Amber Heard, there has been impassioned debate about what exactly the outcome means for the #MeToo movement.

It raises the question: If people being accused of sexual assault can potentially win defamation cases in court, what does that mean for the accused — and the accusers — moving forward?

Guest: Julia Jacobs, a culture reporter for The New York Times. 

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Background reading: 

• Johnny Depp’s victory against his ex-wife Amber Heard in one of the highest profile defamation cases to go to trial could inspire others accused of abuse or misconduct to try their luck with juries. 

For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday. 

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