Fantastic Beasts director David Yates has finally responded to the backlash against Johnny Depp.
Reading between the lines, he doesn’t seem to believe the allegations that Depp abused his ex-wife Amber Heard.
“Honestly there’s an issue at the moment where there’s a lot of people being accused of things, they’re being accused by multiple victims, and it’s compelling and frightening. With Johnny, it seems to me there was one person who took a pop at him and claimed something. I can only tell you about the man I see every day: He’s full of decency and kindness, and that’s all I see. Whatever accusation was out there doesn’t tally with the kind of human being I’ve been working with.”
Without realizing it, Yates just gave a textbook example of why abuse survivors don’t come forward. He has a positive relationship with Depp, and as a result, he can’t believe that Depp would be cruel to someone else. This is exactly how abusers hide in plain sight. If you have a reputation for friendliness and “decency”—especially among people in positions of power—then it’s easier to get away with abusive behavior in your personal life.
He’s full of decency and kindness, and that’s all I see.
Of course that’s all YOU see, Yates, because you’re a male film director in a position of power over him. Because if he lashed out at you, there would be actual consequences. Give me strength…
