Amber Heard says she 'suffered the wrath of our culture' after speaking out against a 'powerful force'
Amber Heard got candid about the stress she has had to endure amid her legal struggle with former husband Johnny Depp and also spoke out about what it means for a woman to stand up for herself. Heard had made headlines when she accused her ex of becoming a 'monster' and abusing her — claims which he has denied.
While speaking at female-focused conference Create and Cultivate, Heard hinted at the massive toll the ongoing bitter legal battle has taken on her. As reported by Hollywood Reporter, she said, "I suffered the full force of the wrath of our culture when a woman or survivor speaks up against a more powerful force."
"I have seen that firsthand — from death threats, harassment, bullying, invasion of my privacy, threats to my career and my safety. And yet, I'm still here. I refuse to accept those to be the terms that other people, who are in positions of power, who seek to maintain the status quo, have set for me. I refuse to stand in line," she added.
She also shared that she would rather be "unpopular" if it means she can share the lessons with "my daughter and their daughters".
Heard did not specifically reference her legal battle and did not mention Depp by name. She did mention that she has had to spend "a lot more time with lawyers". She further added, "I've known a lot of lawyers in my life. Unfortunately, I've spent a lot more time with them lately than I'd like."
She also stated that she is very proud as she "stood up for what is right and true" despite how much toll it has taken on her. "When I look back on all the things I've done, sure I am proud of my professional accomplishments and movie. But that is nothing in comparison to the pride I feel for what I stood up for because it was right and true. I did that despite what it cost me."
Heard had even written an op-ed in Washington Post about her abusive relationship with Depp.
After her op-ed was published, Depp has sued his ex-wife for defamation. At the time, Heard wrote, "Two years ago, I became a public figure representing domestic abuse, and I felt the full force of our culture’s wrath for women who speak out."
The couple got married in 2015 and Heard filed a domestic violence restraining order against the 'Pirates of the Carribean's star the following year. The couple got divorced in 2016 and Heard received $7 million as part of the settlement.