Janice R. Andrews
Amber Heard has spoken out on Blake Lively’s allegations against Justin Baldoni, addressing the powerful role of social media in shaping narratives.
In an exclusive statement to NBC News on Monday, Heard, now living in Spain, stated, “Social media is the absolute personification of the classic saying ‘A lie travels halfway around the world before truth can get its boots on.’ I saw this firsthand and up close. It’s as horrifying as it is destructive.”
Heard’s comments come in response to Lively’s complaint filed with the California Civil Rights Department, where Lively accused Baldoni—her It Ends With Us co-star and director—of sexual harassment, creating a hostile work environment, and launching a targeted social media campaign to damage her reputation.
According to the complaint, Baldoni hired crisis PR expert Melissa Nathan, known for managing Johnny Depp’s public relations during his defamation trial against Heard. The complaint alleges Nathan orchestrated strategies such as “social media mitigation,” “proactive fan posting,” and other tactics to manipulate public perception during the film’s promotion.
Heard Draws Comparisons to Her Own Case
Heard’s remarks echo her experiences during her trial with Depp, where a jury ruled she had defamed him. Depp was awarded $15 million in damages, while Heard received $2 million in her countersuit. Depp described the verdict as giving him his life back, while Heard criticized it as a setback for women speaking out against abuse.
The similarities between Heard’s case and Lively’s allegations have garnered attention, especially given Nathan’s involvement in both situations. Lively’s complaint claims Baldoni’s team conducted a “retaliatory social manipulation campaign” aimed at discrediting her during the film’s rollout.
Speculation of On-Set Tension
Speculation about discord between Lively and Baldoni has circulated since the film’s production. Fans noted that the two stars avoided joint press appearances, fueling rumors of tension. Baldoni’s legal team, however, has denied the allegations, calling them “categorically false.”
Bryan Freedman, Baldoni’s attorney, defended his client on Monday, stating, “These claims are baseless. TAG PR must be the most powerful publicists in the world if they can change perceptions of both Amber Heard and Blake Lively.” He added that Baldoni’s actions were fully transparent and open to public scrutiny.
A Larger Issue
This controversy highlights the ongoing debate about accountability and the influence of social media in shaping public opinion. As legal proceedings between Lively and Baldoni continue, Heard’s remarks emphasize the challenges individuals face in balancing personal disputes and public narratives in the digital age.
The case has polarized opinions, leaving fans divided as new revelations surface. It serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding social media campaigns and their ability to sway public perception.
