Abuse and sexual misconduct cases aren’t rare in Hollywood, but recent allegations against actress Amber Heard are shedding light on double standards that exist within the industry. 

Johnny Depp and Heard have had a controversial dynamic throughout their relationship, from when they first started dating in early 2012 to 2016 when Heard filed for divorce on grounds of domestic violence. However, both parties later released a joint statement declaring that, though their relationship was passionate and at times “volatile,” neither person had intent to hurt the other physically, as stated before by Heard in her testimony. 

In 2018, Heard wrote an op-ed piece regarding her experience in a past abusive relationship, never officially naming Depp, but the aim was clear enough to result in an avalanche of backlash towards Depp in the midst of Hollywood’s #MeToo movement. The bad publicity against him called for an end to the silence exuding from both sides, and Depp sued for defamation of character in response. Heard countered, claiming she still had scars on her hands and feet from when she was violently dragged across glass by her ex-partner. Meanwhile, phone recordings of Heard admitting to hitting Depp were released in the messy aftermath. The lawsuit remains in action, and evidence of abuse from both parties has been publicized, but the issue still remains in how the two actors’ treatment differed in response to the scandal. 

On Nov. 6, Johnny Depp announced that he was being asked to resign from his role in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them 3 as Grindelwald. Depp’s termination with the film caused public outcry, as Heard has continued filming for her part in the Warner Bros. production of Aquaman 2.

 The young actress has publicly ridiculed the push for her resignation, dismissing all allegations from Depp as false. 

“Paid rumors and paid campaigns on social media don’t dictate [casting decisions] because they have no basis in reality,” Heard said in an interview with Entertainment Weekly. 

Warner Bros. has not stated any intention to terminate the partnership with Heard and Depp has confirmed that the suit against his ex-wife remains under investigation.