Netflix is set to release a documentary series about Johnny Depp's defamation lawsuit against his ex-wife Amber Heard, and it's coming on Wednesday, Aug. 16.
The streaming giant shared the release date this week along with a trailer for Depp v. Heard. The show will delve into the cultural impact of the case as well as the details of the lawsuit itself.
A Neutral Look at the Case
According to Netflix, Depp v. Heard is a limited series directed by Emma Cooper, presenting a neutral look at the case and what it says about the "court of public opinion."
It will consist of three episodes, comprised of footage from the court case itself, contemporary news coverage, social media coverage, and "citizen commentators."
The show aims to raise "provocative, uncomfortable questions about how the conversations happening outside the courtroom may have influenced the outcome."
Historic Lawsuit
Depp's lawsuit against Heard was historic for many reasons – among them, its publicity implications.
After their whirlwind marriage, Heard accused Depp of physical and emotional abuse, leading ultimately to Depp being fired from the Fantastic Beasts series – and possibly other projects as well. Depp sued Heard for defamation, claiming not only that he hadn't abused her but that she had actually abused him.
They went to court in Virginia, and the proceedings were open to the public, meaning that fans could attend the trial, and TV cameras were allowed in as well.
Social Media Impact
Predictably, this meant Depp and Heard's case got wall-to-wall coverage for several weeks, and it took over social media in many circles.
The documentary seems to focus on its manifestations on TikTok, as well as the way this case exposed some issues with social media. For example, one person is heard saying: "We're being influenced by bots reacting to bots."
Uncomfortable Precedent
Additionally, many PR experts and legal analysts speculated that Depp and Heard's case could set an uncomfortable precedent for abuse allegations going forward.
Many worried that victims would be more scared than ever to come forward and that other powerful men would try to take retribution against their accusers in court.
Many reports have now compared Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie's divorce to the case of Depp and Heard.
Release Details
Depp v. Heard hits Netflix on Wednesday, Aug. 16.