The trial was supposed to be about defamation. It became a study of abuse -- between spouses, between fans and celebrities, and between the media and the people who consume it
I'd have known next to nothing about Depp-Heard except for the "Smoke 'em" episodes, some of them heard more than once. And as I started to read this (50 minute read says Substack!) I wondered what I'd learn that I didn't already know. Well. This is such a good distillation of your coverage and discussion, with deep dives into back stories that were hinted at in the podcasts. So many good lines; an early one stood out for me:
-- “You can’t say that” tends to lay the tracks for “People are going to say that, with delight.”
I'm sure you'll discuss this piece on a future podcast. This deserves to be read widely. So well done, thank you.
“...the jury read what had to be the worst review of her life.” This felt like a obvious but still classically clever journalist line. If that makes sense.
“Her empowerment was ghostwritten.” Love this line. Captures the sad irony of ACLU writing that op-ed.
This piece does a fantastic job of capturing the deep and vast complexity of everything the Heard/Depp reflects about society right now. Celebrity worship, the influence of trauma (sorry Nancy) on how we choose lovers, the often over correcting blindness of #MeToo (not to mention other woke campaigns), and the inability to give grace to the oh too easily judged villains.
I will say, after 40+ years of saying “what about,” I’m starting to come to the realization I think, that given the diversity of American culture and need for instant gratification and judgment, nuance and curiosity is never going to be our society’s strong suit. They just don’t jive with a social media obsessed environment. But I’m grateful to be able to come to this podcast and not feel alone in my “thinking too much thoughts.” 😀
Once again Sarah has distilled an ugly, sprawling mess into something loaded with pathos and wit. Early in the piece the line “memes of smug reduction” thrilled and soothed me. Thank you to Sarah for once again taking the time to deep dive and puzzle things out for us lucky readers. That elusive flash of recognition is strong in her work.
The complexities of this case are perfectly examined: Depp, Heard, their back stories, their relationship, their alcohol use and intoxicated behavior, #metoo movement, the public’s affinity for Depp…
I didn't realize there were so many women there in support of Johnny Depp. This piece of news is nowhere to be seen in legacy media post-verdict reports on this. They made it seem like it was heavily men supporting Depp.
Well done, Sarah. This is a wonderful piece. I must confess that I didn’t follow this trial at all but You’ve personalized this in a way that gave me a feel for what it was like to be there.
Dang. Such a deep piece. Insight in every paragraph. “Hollywood isnt royalty, its a religion.” Wow. Yes. You could write a whole essay on just that idea.
Heard you on the Meghan Daum show. One of the best interviews on a great show, looking forward to reading your book.
This piece was recommended by Helen Lewis in her Blue Stocking newsletter. Absolutely magnificent writing.
I'd have known next to nothing about Depp-Heard except for the "Smoke 'em" episodes, some of them heard more than once. And as I started to read this (50 minute read says Substack!) I wondered what I'd learn that I didn't already know. Well. This is such a good distillation of your coverage and discussion, with deep dives into back stories that were hinted at in the podcasts. So many good lines; an early one stood out for me:
-- “You can’t say that” tends to lay the tracks for “People are going to say that, with delight.”
I'm sure you'll discuss this piece on a future podcast. This deserves to be read widely. So well done, thank you.
“...the jury read what had to be the worst review of her life.” This felt like a obvious but still classically clever journalist line. If that makes sense.
“Her empowerment was ghostwritten.” Love this line. Captures the sad irony of ACLU writing that op-ed.
This piece does a fantastic job of capturing the deep and vast complexity of everything the Heard/Depp reflects about society right now. Celebrity worship, the influence of trauma (sorry Nancy) on how we choose lovers, the often over correcting blindness of #MeToo (not to mention other woke campaigns), and the inability to give grace to the oh too easily judged villains.
I will say, after 40+ years of saying “what about,” I’m starting to come to the realization I think, that given the diversity of American culture and need for instant gratification and judgment, nuance and curiosity is never going to be our society’s strong suit. They just don’t jive with a social media obsessed environment. But I’m grateful to be able to come to this podcast and not feel alone in my “thinking too much thoughts.” 😀
Once again Sarah has distilled an ugly, sprawling mess into something loaded with pathos and wit. Early in the piece the line “memes of smug reduction” thrilled and soothed me. Thank you to Sarah for once again taking the time to deep dive and puzzle things out for us lucky readers. That elusive flash of recognition is strong in her work.
The complexities of this case are perfectly examined: Depp, Heard, their back stories, their relationship, their alcohol use and intoxicated behavior, #metoo movement, the public’s affinity for Depp…
I didn't realize there were so many women there in support of Johnny Depp. This piece of news is nowhere to be seen in legacy media post-verdict reports on this. They made it seem like it was heavily men supporting Depp.
Well done, Sarah. This is a wonderful piece. I must confess that I didn’t follow this trial at all but You’ve personalized this in a way that gave me a feel for what it was like to be there.
Thanks.
It’s a rare thing to see a piece like this treat every participant with kindness. Excellent journalism.
Dang. Such a deep piece. Insight in every paragraph. “Hollywood isnt royalty, its a religion.” Wow. Yes. You could write a whole essay on just that idea.
Wonderful piece. It's clear you took a great amount of time with it. Thanks for sharing with us!
I have so many thoughts and so many parts I loved and I’m also absolutely speechless. This was an incredible piece. A joy to read. Thank you.
Will be curious to hear what you think of the juror’s interview on GMA.
If I had a mega-pint, I'd raise it to your fine work, Sarah. You threaded that needle, girl!