The Amber Heard-Johnny Depp trial. In 2018, Heard wrote a Washington Post op-ed about surviving domestic violence. Depp filed a $50 million defamation lawsuit arguing the article damaged his career and that he never abused Heard. She fired back with a $100 million countersuit, saying Depp defamed her when his lawyer called her abuse allegations a "hoax." The six-week televised trial between the film stars and former spouses had millions tuning in as both sides testified they were abused by the other. But reminder: this was a libel lawsuit.
So what did the jury have to do?
Jurors had to decide whether Heard's op-ed amounted to defamation. Meaning, that she'd published the article (which never named him) with the intent to harm Depp's career — and that the abuse claims the article alluded to were not true. The jury vindicated Depp and gave him over $10 million in damages. But jurors also found merit to Heard's countersuit, and awarded her $2 million in damages after finding Depp defamed her through a comment his lawyer made. Worth noting: In a separate trial in 2020, a British judge ruled that Depp had assaulted Heard and put her "in fear of her life."
What does this mean for #MeToo?
The case was one of the highest-profile trials in recent years. Now, some domestic violence experts fear the doubts cast on Heard's credibility could discourage victims from coming forward. But others cite examples of other high-profile cases (think: Anita Hill and Christine Blasey Ford) which sparked outrage and more people coming forward despite outcomes that did not favor women. After the verdict, Heard said she was "heartbroken," and that the decision goes back to a time when a woman who spoke up could be "publicly shamed." Meanwhile, Depp said he feels "at peace" knowing he spoke the truth.
theSkimm
Millions of people followed Johnny Depp and Amber Heard's six weeks in court. The spectacle prompted nuanced discussions about abuse and domestic violence, as well as huge amounts of online vitriol. The trial is now over. But when it comes to the case's ripple effects, the jury's still out.
And Also...This
Where people are mourning…
Tulsa, Oklahoma. Yesterday, a gunman opened fire in a medical building killing four people and injuring several others. Police believe the suspect — a man between 35 and 40 years old — took his own life. And said he was carrying a rifle and a handgun. Authorities called the shooting "catastrophic" and are investigating a motive. Gov. Kevin Stitt (R-OK) called it a "senseless act of violence and hatred." The shooting came on the 101st Anniversary of the Tulsa Race Massacre. And comes amid a growing conversation about gun control legislation.
When will it end?: The Tulsa shooting came eight days after the mass shooting in Uvalde, Texas that left 19 children and two teachers dead. And weeks after an attack at a supermarket in Buffalo, New York, left 10 people dead and three injured.
What will be carrying precious cargo…
United Airlines. Yesterday, it became the first airline to donate flights to help ship much-needed baby formula to the US. Since April, parents across the country have been struggling to find formula to feed their babies. And the crisis is getting worse. Starting next week, United will ship the equivalent of about 3.7 million 8-ounce bottles of Kendamil infant formula. It's expected to hit shelves at Target stores across the country in the coming weeks. Another shipment from Australia's also in the works.
Sheryl Sandberg. Yesterday, the No. 2 executiveat Meta — formerly Facebook — said she's stepping down as COO after 14 years. Sandberg is credited for developing the social media company's advertising business — helping it bringin over $100 billion in revenue.And is seen as one of the most important women in business. But the COO has also faced backlash for everything from the Cambridge Analytica privacy scandal to misinformation in the 2016 election. Now as Meta focuses on developing the metaverse, Sandberg wants to focus on personal philanthropy. She called the experience as COO "the honor and privilege of a lifetime" and plans to step down in the fall. Meta CEO and founder Mark Zuckerberg said he's "grateful for everything" she's done.
What's giving some debt relief…
The Biden admin. Yesterday, the Education Dept announced it's automatically wiping out $5.8 billion in student loans. The beneficiaries: borrowers who studied at Corinthian Colleges. In 2015, the for-profit college closed after accusations that it defrauded students. Now, about 560,000 borrowers will benefit from the dept's largest student loan forgiveness ever.
Who deserved one of Girl Scouts' highest honors — and so much more…
That's the percentage of Americans who belong to a racial or ethnic minority group. And that's around 120 million people. But health research in the U.S. still skews heavily white (think: up to 90%). Not exactly accurate representation.
Including people of all backgrounds in research can help scientists better understand what makes people sick and what keeps them healthy. So they can uncover patterns and one day design more personalized care. That's why the NIH's historic All of Us Research Program is collecting data from 1 million+ participants who reflect the diversity of the U.S. Participation is free and comes with benefits (like optional DNA results down the line). Be one in a million.*
Summer season = social season, and we've got everything you need to get on out there and host. And if you're heading to the beach with a group of friends, don't forget to throw a good page-turner in your bag.
Here are today's recs to help you live a smarter life…
1. Eco tips for when you've already reduced, reused, recycled. Because who even knows where to start with sustainability? We partnered with Avocado to build a virtual home full of info and advice. Aka a room-by-room guide that can help you get your green on. You're invited.*
2. Face patches that'll help you say 'bye bye bye' to big breakouts. These XL pimple patches are made to tackle key acne zones, like your chin and T-zone. They're contoured to fit your face, super sticky, and 20% off for Skimm'rs. No lie.*
3. A gripping new show that throws it back to the 1500s. STARZ's "Becoming Elizabeth" reveals the untold story of Queen Elizabeth I's path to power. Complete with complex relationships, political games, and royal drama. PS: The first ep drops June 12. Don't miss it.*
4. Next up in our Skimm Tested series. We spent weeks trying The Good Patch wellness patches. Find out why they're worth it and how they can help you. They're great for period cramps, sleeplessness, and low energy. Psst…check out more in Skimm Tested here.
*PS: This is a sponsored post.
Skimm'rs
We like to celebrate the wins, big and small. Let us know how your friends, neighbors, coworkers (and yes, even you) are making career moves, checking off goals, or making an impact in the community.
Lending a helping hand…Jayne M (SC). She's a former therapist and founder of Recovery Love and Care. As someone who has fully recovered from a life-long eating disorder, she's made it her mission to make treatment more accessible for those with eating disorders and body image concerns through her recovery coaching curriculum.
(Some) Birthdays…Lyndsey Albertson (NY), Tabiya Ahmed (NJ), Sarah Reeves (GA), Lyn Jason Cobb (CA), Katie Luecht (AL), Jennifer Evans (MS), Jaime Hilaski (MI), Susan Greene (MD), Colleen Gruendel (CT), Nikki Dunagan (GA), Lisa Marvin (KS), Karisa Loy (VA), Heather Schommer (NE), Mary Lu Adams (WV), Jill Segal (PA)
PS: Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.
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3x the sign up points?* You bet. More earnings. More quickly. Hello, more rewards. Sign up for theSkimm Loyalty Program and watch (triple) the points roll in.
*Sign up promotion limited to new member enrollments occurring between May 23, 2022 and June 7, 2022. Contact loyalty@theSkimm.com for questions.
Skimm'd by Rashaan Ayesh, Melanie De Lima, Kate Gilhool, Xian Chiang-Waren, Maria del Carmen Corpus, Julie Shain, and Mariza Smajlaj
