For decades, following the lives of celebrities has been one of the primary sources of entertainment for Americans. From the aisles of drugstores lined with brightly colored tabloids with attention grabbing headlines, to television programs dedicated to reporting on the latest superstar activity, celebrity gossip is molded into an easily digestible manner and marketed to consumers. While celebrity gossip is extracted from all types of events, the most sensational celebrity gossip has come from court trials. Take the famous OJ Simpson trial of the 90’s, or Michael Jackson’s trial in the early 2000s, for example. They are court cases that spill the disputes, crimes committed, and spats between different stars and fascinate the American public. In recent months, the headlines were all about the Amber Heard and Johnny Depp trial.

For six weeks, the Depp-Heard trial took over striking headlines and made its way to being showcased on national news. The recent news about the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine crisis, and the Supreme Court’s upcoming decision on Roe v. Wade no longer became the pinnacle of Americans’ worries. Instead, more than 3.5 million viewers tuned in to watch the testimonies, witnesses, lawyers, etc… of this trial. Of course, in true modern fashion, much of this viewership and dedication of the fans is illustrated through social media. Numerous viral hashtags made their way around the internet, not only increasing the social media presence of the two celebrities, but also highlighting the opinions of avid viewers. Short video clips of the trial were being reposted and were sent around the internet like wildfire.

The news of two extremely wealthy individuals suing each other seems shallow and uninteresting; However, somehow this was not the case. Media critics around the country are asking: Why did the Depp-Heard trial capture the attention of so many? 

Since the basis of the defamation lawsuits from both parties stems from allegations of abuse, many social media users see the Depp-Heard trial as some landmark case that will set precedent and redetermine the power imbalance between the abuser and the abused in the American Justice System. On social media, this trial has been compared to major international events because it deals with abuse and the power a victim has over their abuser.

Public fascination with this case can also be traced to the fact that following celebrity gossip is a form of escapism. In its most extreme forms, escapism will lead to one neglecting their own real-life issues, forming unhealthy obsessions with people they don’t even know, and can cause serious mental health issues. Nevertheless, healthy “amounts” of escapism can be beneficial to individuals. The Depp-Heard trial allowed individuals to take a break from the constant, heartbreaking news stories and events of the world. 

In conclusion, the extreme involvement, commentary, and enthusiasm of social media users is clearly indicative of the fascination with celebrity trials, and celebrity gossip as a whole. Furthermore, the instant accessibility of news at every second in modern life leads to the increasing amount of media attention that celebrity trials, and other news, earn.