Summary of "On the Media" Podcast Episode: "How The Media Failed Amber Heard"

Release Date: June 2, 2022
Hosts: Brooke Gladstone and Michael Hobbs (Host of Maintenance Phase)
Podcast: On the Media by WNYC Studios

1. Introduction to the Depp v. Heard Trial

In this episode, On the Media delves into the high-profile libel trial between Johnny Depp and Amber Heard, examining how the media's coverage influenced public perception and the broader implications for media integrity.

Key Event:
A jury in Fairfax County Circuit Court, Virginia, awarded Johnny Depp $15 million in damages in his libel suit against Amber Heard, who received $2 million in her countersuit. The case revolved around Heard's December 2018 op-ed in the Washington Post, where she identified herself as a "public figure representing domestic abuse."

2. Media Coverage and Perceived Bias

Michael Hobbs critiques the media's handling of the trial, particularly pointing out a perceived reluctance among progressive and liberal outlets to thoroughly engage with the facts, thereby inadvertently favoring Depp's narrative.

Notable Quote:
"The only quarter of the media that seemed reluctant to engage at least in the facts of the case was the progressive press or the liberal media." (02:17)

Hobbs observes that while right-wing media aggressively painted Heard as a liar, progressive outlets often described the situation as "complicated" without delving into the substantial evidence presented during the trial.

Example of Coverage Gap:
Hobbs notes, "We had three or four weeks when almost nobody on the liberal media side was covering this case. And the right wing media was having an absolute field day with this." (08:19)

3. The Role of Social Media and Misinformation

The episode highlights how platforms like TikTok became breeding grounds for misinformation, amplifying misleading narratives that portrayed Amber Heard negatively without substantial evidence.

Notable Quote:
"This is just the perfect metaphor for the just sewer pipe of information that the Internet has become around this trial." (17:43)

Hobbs explains that misinformation ranged from false claims about Heard plagiarizing movie quotes in her testimony to baseless accusations linking her to specific makeup brands used to conceal alleged bruises.

4. Specific Instances of Misinformation

a. The Makeup Palette Incident

During the trial, Heard's lawyer presented a makeup palette as an example of how minor bruises could be concealed. This detail was misrepresented online, leading to unfounded claims that Heard's lawyer endorsed specific makeup products to cover bruises.

Notable Quote:
"She didn't say she used this specific brand. They were using it as an example. Like, this is makeup. She used makeup. That's it." (12:43)

b. The "Poop on the Bed" Story

One of the most sensationalized pieces of misinformation revolved around an incident where Amber Heard allegedly pooped on Depp's bed as an act of revenge. Hobbs dismantles this narrative by providing context that questions the plausibility of Heard's actions, contrasting it with previous incidents involving their dog.

Notable Quote:
"It's like one case is plausible and then the other case is like totally deranged." (20:57)

5. Analyzing Depp's and Heard's Narratives

Hobbs discusses the contrasting narratives presented by Depp and Heard. While Depp's account involves allegations of a long-term, organized effort by Heard to defame him, Heard's testimony aligns with common patterns observed in abusive relationships, where victims develop a cycle of abuse and reconciliation.

Notable Quote:
"When you listen to his testimony, he, in contrast to hers, he doesn't really list very many incidents of abuse." (26:00)

Hobbs emphasizes that Heard provided extensive evidence of Depp's abusive behavior, including texts, photos, and testimonies from friends and professionals, whereas Depp's claims lacked similar substantiation.

6. Broader Implications for Media and Abuse Narratives

The episode critiques the media's tendency to follow a "fairness bias," where equal weight is given to both parties' claims regardless of the validity of the evidence. This approach, according to Hobbs, allows harmful narratives to take root, undermining the credibility of genuine abuse victims.

Notable Quote:
"We've done this so many times, and we see the same kind of weaponization of these tropes about womanhood that are applied to whatever woman will do and whatever facts will do." (37:22)

Hobbs draws parallels to past media portrayals of women like Tonya Harding and Britney Spears, highlighting a recurring pattern of media misrepresentation and victim-blaming.

7. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Brooke Gladstone and Michael Hobbs conclude by reflecting on the importance of responsible journalism. They underscore the necessity for media outlets to engage deeply with factual evidence, especially in sensitive cases involving allegations of abuse, to prevent misinformation and uphold the integrity of public discourse.

Final Notable Quote from Hobbs:
"This is how we treat women in the media, and people learn how to treat women from these narratives." (36:41)

Implications for Future Media Coverage

The episode serves as a critical examination of media practices, urging journalists and media consumers alike to prioritize fact-based reporting over sensationalism. It calls for a reevaluation of how abuse narratives are handled in the public sphere to ensure that genuine victims are heard and supported without the distortion of truth.

Note: Timestamps in quotes refer to the minutes and seconds mark within the podcast transcript.