Scene and very much Heard: Amber, Johnny, Will and Jada's public airings a ratings grab?

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Amber Heard and Johnny Depp
Amber Heard and Johnny Depp

Smith FB show 'confession' and bizarre Depp-Heard trial doing none of them harm in the publicity stakes

By David Light

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Published: Sat 11 Jul 2020, 4:11 PM

Last updated: Sun 12 Jul 2020, 12:47 AM

'Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.' It doesn't really matter who actually uttered those words the sentiment remains. Innovation is the key to remaining relevant in the showbiz pantheon which, with the Covid pandemic shutting down celebrities' normal publicity avenues, has meant turning to more drastic measures even for those who live more open-access lives than a Kardashian end-of-season special.
Over the weekend sensational headlines emanating from the Amber Heard and Johnny Depp UK libel trial have been splashed across publications from Tokyo to Timbuktu. Increasingly outlandish claims from Depp looking to prove British newspaper The Sun's "wife beater" claim incorrect have been vociferously countered by Heard in defence of the phrase. While abuse in any form is never to be ignored, and in hope a final judgment on this element of the pair's two-year turbulent marriage can provide justice and closure for the wronged party, it is the tit-for-tat childish nature of proceedings involving serious allegations we can't help but feel is for the cameras. From the 34-year-old Aquaman star entering London's High Court in an outfit of which Bonnie Parker would be proud, to he of Edward Scissorhands fame (57) 'dropping' in an anecdote about Heard's bedside manner, the details are new but the same old orchestrated exposure circus to which we have been party since their 2017 divorce rolls on. "Step right up here, have a look: two actors afraid of being cancelled still for hire!"


Speaking of tired narratives, the Smiths' marriage was also recently back at the top of news feeds after the 'revelation' the duo talked-out on Jada Pinkett Smith's Facebook show, Red Table Talk on Friday. Here an admission of an affair between herself and rapper August Alsina to husband Will's face captured global attention...and viewing figures. Open dialogue is laudable, and the couple going through their troubles in public must provide solace to fans experiencing something similar, but who among us didn't see this particular issue coming? Was it truly the shocking development as billed? The Smiths have been dancing around allegations of cheating for the last decade if not longer. Did a full-frontal dissection of events have to be done on whatever passes for television these days? No. Was it beneficial for the brand to film it? 100 per cent yes. 
david@khaleejtimes.com



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