In Bed With The Right Episode 76: Depp v. Heard with Kat Tenbarge
May 13, 2025
Kat Tenbarge, a journalist at Spitfire News known for her insights on gender politics, joins the discussion to dissect the Depp v. Heard trial. They delve into the implications of the case for the #MeToo movement and how social media shapes public perception during high-profile conflicts. Tenbarge highlights how narratives around abuse are influenced by online misogyny and examines the cultural dynamics framing the trial. The chat reveals the complexities of media portrayals and the ongoing challenges survivors face in reclaiming their identities after trauma.
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Women as Symbols of Gender Conflict
- The trial reflected a pattern where women become symbols of broader gender conflicts, often distorted and judged by unreasonable standards.
- Amber Heard was treated like a scapegoat for societal anxieties about gender, similar to 'malign women' of the 90s.
Digital Echoes of 90s Media
- The Depp v. Heard trial was a 90s media spectacle repeating itself in a new digital era.
- While new platforms like YouTube replaced old tabloids, misogynistic backlash persisted and even intensified online.
Origins of Depp and Heard's Turmoil
- Johnny Depp and Amber Heard met during the filming of The Rum Diary with a strong age and power imbalance.
- Their volatile relationship led to Heard filing for divorce and abuse allegations in 2016, sparking a public and legal battle.