Mel B has expressed her fears over the possible repercussions of the defamation trial taking place between Johnny Depp and Amber Heard, saying that there is ‘always doubt and shame’ for women who come forward with allegations.
In a new update from the ongoing trial, Depp’s legal team have said that Heard – to whom he was married from 2015 to 2017 – ’gave the performance of her life’ as she took to the stand.
The Aquaman actress accused the Pirates of the Caribbean star of ‘penetrating her with a bottle’ and performing a cavity search on her, with a spokesperson for Depp saying: ‘While Ms. Heard’s stories have continued to grow new and convenient details, Mr. Depp’s recollections have remained exactly the same throughout the six painful years since her first allegations were made.’
During an appearance on The Talk on TalkTV, Jeremy Kyle remarked that in his view, hopefully the case will encourage people ‘in any situation where they see no way out to step forward into the light and maybe get some help’.
Mel B, who dedicated her MBE to survivors of domestic abuse this week as she received the honour at Buckingham Palace, said that she hasn’t ‘really been following’ the case ‘because it’s not entertainment for me’.
The Spice Girls singer became a patron of the charity Women’s Aid in 2018, after claiming that her former partner Stephen Belafonte emotionally and physically abused her during their relationship, which he has always denied.
Explaining that it’s a ‘topic that’s really close to my heart’, Mel B said: ‘At the end of the day, nobody knows what has actually gone on apart from them two.’
The 46-year-old continued: ‘And my biggest fear is, now it’s so public, that this case is going to like, not back up or support women coming forward, because there’s going to be doubt – and there’s always doubt and shame.’
Mel B emphasised how much ‘courage’ it takes for anyone to report something that they allege has happened to them.
‘And, you know, in the back of your mind, you’re always thinking: “Is anyone going to believe me?” So that’s my worry,’ she stated.
Depp is suing Heard for libel over a Washington Post article she wrote in 2018, which his lawyers say falsely implies that he physically and sexually abused her while they were together, and is seeking $50million (£39m) in damages.
While Depp was not named in the piece, his team argued that it implies that he was physically and sexually abusive towards her, which he has denied. The case began in April and is thought to continue for several more weeks.
The Talk airs weekdays from 9pm on TalkTV.
Domestic abuse helpline
If you are in immediate danger call 999. If you cannot talk, dial 55 and the operator will respond.
For emotional support, you can contact the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247. Alternatively, for practical and emotional support, please contact Women’s Aid Live Chat 10am – 6pm seven days a week.
You can also reach the National Centre for Domestic Violence on 0800 270 9070 or text NCDV to 60777.
For free and confidential advice and support for women in London affected by abuse, you can call Solace on 0808 802 5565 or email advice@solacewomensaid.org.
Male victims of domestic abuse can call 01823 334244 to speak to ManKind, an initiative available for male victims of domestic abuse and domestic violence across the UK as well as their friends, family, neighbours, work colleagues and employers.
Alternatively, the Men’s Advice Line can be reached at 0808 8010327, or emailed at info@mensadviceline.org.uk.
Credit: Original article published here.You can read this post on My Celebrity Life.
