May 13, 2022 - Technology

YouTube creators are feasting on the Depp v. Heard trial

Julia Shapero

US actress Amber Heard testifies as US actor Johnny Depp looks on during a defamation trial at the Fairfax County Circuit Courthouse in Fairfax, Virginia, on May 5, 2022. Photo: JIM LO SCALZO/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

YouTube creators who have switched to producing content about the defamation trial between Johnny Depp and Amber Heard have found a massive audience, accruing millions of views on their videos, according to NBC News.

The big picture: The trial between the two stars in Fairfax, Va. has attracted immense attention on social media, where many have sided with Depp.

Depp is suing Heard for defamation over an op-ed she wrote in the Washington Post in 2018, claiming she is a victim of domestic violence. Heard is countersuing Depp for defamation over his allegations that her claims are false.
Social media has been particularly supportive of Depp, with the hashtag #justiceforjohnnydepp reaching 10.8 billion views on TikTok.

Driving the news: YouTube creators from every background are jumping on the trend, including gamers, K-pop fans and musicians, NBC News reported.

One creator, who normally produced content about video games to limited views, received over 10 million views within a week after making compilation videos about the trial, according to the NBC News.
Most of the creators made content in support of Depp, leaning into the pro-Depp environment on social media, NBC reported.

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YouTube creators are feasting on the Depp v. Heard trial

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