Johnny Depp’s defamation trial against Amber Heard has been at the forefront of the news media, with lots of people following the court hearings online or in the courtroom itself. So far it’s been quite the show, ‘hearsays’ flying non-stop and ‘did I read that right?’ becoming a joke of a question in a serious case where two people’s lives will change. For better or worse, we aren’t sure yet how the scales of justice will lean.
What we can be certain of is that Johnny Depp’s fans have gone above and beyond to offer him support. One of them brought a pair of alpacas in the hopes of brightening Depp’s day. Yes, you read that right.
I will not be going into the specifics of the trial itself. Bored Panda has written a complete timeline of allegations from both sides, so if you’d like to get a bit more information on that, you can find the article here. So let’s go meet the alpacas, shall we?
More info: Youtube
As the third week of the Johnny Depp v Amber Heard trial ensues, the fans of the former have been sending their support in any which way
Image credits: Law&Crime Network
Many people have come to Fairfax, Virginia to support Johnny Depp during his multi-million dollar defamation trial against Amber Heard, who’d accused him of physical and sexual abuse in a 2018 Washington Post article. It led to multiple losses of cinematic opportunities, including the Fantastic Beasts and the Pirates of the Caribbean franchises, as well as having his name publicly stained in the tabloids.
Depp took the witness stand on the fifth day of testimony on April 19 and called Heard’s claims “heinous,” “disturbing” and “not based in any species of truth”. There are still multiple weeks to go, as well as Heard’s own testimony to come forth, so it all remains speculation as to the outcome of the case.
Image credits: E! News
Andrea brought two alpacas, named Dolce and Inti, in an attempt to brighten Depp's day, a sign on the neck reading "Justice for Johnnie"
Image credits: cathyrusson
The trial has been watched by many people, some even making trips to Virginia in order to catch a glimpse of the stars, yet not everyone brings a pair of alpacas to court. Andrea Diaz stood outside the courtroom with two furry animals, named Dolce and Inti.
The brown and marbled alpacas, donning colorful neck ornaments and scarves, seemed to be fully at ease, picking at the grass next to the court building. Dolce was even donning a sign around his neck reading ‘Justice for Johnnie’. Whilst there might be a typo, it's the thought that counts!
Andrea told Bored Panda that the typo happened completely by accident. She'd always been used to writing the name 'Johnnie' and she was too excited to notice the tiny hiccup on the sign. She'd had the sign up for 5 minutes before realizing, yet, it was too late as the pictures were taken and the interview was filmed. Andrea apologized on Twitter and kept her spirits high.
She told The Washington Post: “I thought the alpacas might brighten his day.” In a further interview with Law & Crime Network, she believed that Johnny Depp was going through a lot, therefore they were there to support him.
It is unclear whether the actor was aware of the two alpacas, as he enters and exits the courthouse through a gated black entrance each day, however, it seemed that Amber Heard's attorney noticed the pair.
It is unclear whether Johnny Depp has seen the two furry friends, but it seems as though Amber Heard's attorney has
Image credits: Law&Crime Network
"$300 million and a million alpacas": the words you never thought to hear in a courtroom, yet they are here
Image credits: mypetalpaca
On Wednesday, April 20, he asked Depp this: “The fact is, Mr. Depp, if Disney came to you with $300 million and a million alpacas, nothing on this earth would get you to go back and work with Disney on a ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ film? Correct?” Depp replied, “That is true, Mr. Rottenborn.” A million alpacas… You do wonder what goes on in someone’s mind to ask that, but I guess, it’s got its purpose, especially as it seems Johnny used similar wording in a prior interview. Alpacas seem to be following him ever since.
Andrea was listening to the question outside the courtroom at that particular moment and found it funny, thinking to herself: "We're not Disney, though, so he can totally come pet these guys!"
According to The Washington Post, Andrea started a business during the pandemic, called ‘My Pet Alpaca’, to bring friendly animals to kids to raise their spirits, hoping she could do the same for Johnny Depp.
Andrea started ‘My Pet Alpaca’ to raise kids' spirits and hoped she could do the same for Johnny Depp
Image credits: mypetalpaca
Another two alpacas, Teddy and Truffle, seemed to join in on the support train the next day
Image credits: mypetalpaca
Speaking to Bored Panda, Andrea believes and hopes that Johnny will win: “ He deserves justice after all this time. It must be horrible to have your life exposed like this for the world to see.” She didn’t want to comment much on Amber, but it doesn’t seem likely for Andrea to believe her testimony, as she told Bored Panda that "her lawyers seem to be all over the place and not have any evidence."
She finished the interview with a message to Johnny, saying: “I hope everything goes well, we’re here for you.”
Recently, Andrea posted a video on their TikTok and it seemed another two alpacas, Teddy and Truffle, were showing their love and support for Johnny, the sign saying: “We’re with you, Johnny.” Devoted fans have been there for the star from the very beginning and it seems they’re not going anywhere soon.
Image credits: mypetalpaca
For those curious about alpacas, they’re essentially small and cuddly llamas, with a very chill demeanor that helps calm and soothe anyone in need. We’re seeing more and more cases of llamas and alpacas becoming emotional support animals, especially as alpacas fare very well in domestic settings.
Andrea explained that alpacas are like real-life stuffed animals, sweet and cute by nature. She explained that "they certainly put [her] in a good mood for the rest of the day!"
Occupational therapist Mona Sams, who has eight llamas and five alpacas at her practice in Virginia, said her animals are particularly good with children and adults with developmental disabilities. According to Mona, one llama named Woolly "literally sits there" with one patient who has severe cerebral palsy and seizures "for a whole hour, face to face."
Truly, interacting with animals is good for the soul, especially if they’re cuddly and patient.
Andrea believes Johnny is innocent, hoping he gets justice. The trial does open up discussions on domestic abuse and how we can help people get out quicker
Image credits: mypetalpaca
But to get a bit more serious for a second, no one is protected against experiencing domestic abuse, whether it be physical, sexual, emotional, economic or psychological. Any behaviors that frighten, intimidate, terrorize, manipulate, hurt, humiliate, blame, injure, or wound someone can be considered abuse, and it can affect anyone, regardless of their socioeconomic background and education.
No one deserves to be abused, yet breaking out of the cycle can be incredibly difficult, as abuse doesn’t tend to start immediately and there may be other factors disallowing an easy escape. So to anyone asking “why didn’t they just leave if it was that bad?”, it’s rarely as simple as just leaving.
For anyone who believes someone is being abused or if you’re experiencing it, there are always ways to get help. Consider calling the National Domestic Violence Hotline, StrongHearts Native Helpline, or a domestic violence program in your area.
It may be daunting to consider leaving an abusive situation, especially if you’ve got limited options, but there are resources to help aid the transition. I will leave a link with a helpful plan of actions and contact information for anyone that might need it. Most importantly, remember: the abuse is not your fault, you are not alone.
"We’re with you, Johnny", says the latest banner whilst we observe the continuation of the trial
Image credits: mypetalpaca
The trial of Johnny Depp and Amber Heard continues. Depp’s lawyer, Camille Vasquez, concluded her questions to Depp on Monday, April 26, by asking: “What did you say in response when Ms. Heard said ‘tell the world, Johnny, tell them I, Johnny Depp, a man, am a victim too of domestic violence?’” Depp replied: “I said yes, I am.” We continue to observe the case and hope that justice will be served.
Leave your thoughts below. What are your observations of the trial? Otherwise, have a good day!
People have sent their support of Depp and their opinions. What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments
