The Depp-Heard trial has far-reaching implications for victims of violence

Actor Amber Heard, left, and actor Johnny Depp in the courtroom at the Fairfax County Circuit Court. Photo: AP

On social media, Amber Heard is a punchline, a caricature, a diversion, a meme. The actress says she was physically, sexually and emotionally abused by her ex-husband Johnny Depp, and the internet is laughing.

Heard took the stand two weeks ago to defend herself against a defamation lawsuit filed by Depp for an op-ed she wrote in 2018 calling herself a "public figure representing domestic abuse". Social media users called her graphic testimony her "worst performance". There are YouTube compilations of her most emotional moments. She's been ridiculed for an incident in court when she appeared visibly afraid. A TikTok trend mocks comments she made about a time she claims Depp hit her. One video has more than 22 million views.