One of the most recognizable figured in the Justice for Johnny Depp movement, Brooke, or as Twitter users know her, @depplyhallows, is a fearless example of someone who so voraciously spreads the truth to the extent of enlightening others in her pursuit of justice. I can confirm that she is as kind as she is passionate, and, like most, is proud to be on the right side of the roaring rapids. Keep reading to see her thoughts on the UK case, her journey on social media, and the grotesqueness of media manipulation.
Isabella: It is so awesome to meet you, thank you so much for all of your work to raise awareness for Justice for Johnny Depp! If you don’t mind, please introduce yourself :)
Brooke: Hello! Thank you for getting in touch! It’s really refreshing to see aspiring journalists like you wanting to report on the truth! Well, I’m Brooke, I’m 25 years old (believe it or not) and I live just outside of London.
Isabella: How did you first hear about this case? What were your thoughts, and whose side did you take?
Brooke: I first heard about the case in 2016 like everyone else. The situation was already a massive trending topic on Twitter as a few days before, the news broke that Johnny and Amber were divorcing. When the news first dropped about the abuse allegations, I instantly felt sick to my stomach. Twitter was a cesspool, the worst it has ever been. So many people instantly turned their backs on him and it was heart breaking. In a matter of hours there was only a handful of fans left (on Twitter anyway). Being a lifelong fan of Johnny and his work, you don’t just drop him over some words said by his ex-wife, you wait to see what else unfolds. So that’s what I did.
Isabella: Was there a change in your perspective? What piece of evidence/moment was the thing to change your mind/confirm your beliefs?
Brooke: There wasn’t any change. I’m proud to say I never doubted him. The thing that cemented my judgement of this whole situation being a set up, was the pictures of Amber and Raquel, the day after the apparent ‘bruised face phone throwing attack’, cackling walking out of their attorney’s office with Amber’s face crystal clear of any injury. Also the fact she withdrew her assault claims as soon as she received her $7m divorce settlement money.
Isabella: What inspired you to use your social media platform to raise awareness?
Brooke: There were only few of us on Twitter and a lot were too scared to stand up for him. Twitter wasn't the nicest place to be in 2016, I did tweet my thoughts on the case, I shared all the articles that were in favour of Johnny, it resulted into a lot of dog-piling and abusive language aimed at me, but deep down I just knew it wasn’t true, so I didn’t give up.
Isabella: Do you remember the first thing that you tweeted/typed? How did it feel? Brooke: If that’s referring to the allegations then yes, I do. I specifically said “This is bullsh*t”. Ha!
Isabella: How do you feel about using your Twitter as a tool of education?
Brooke: I wouldn’t say I use Twitter as a tool as such. I just share my opinions, thoughts and spread awareness. Over the years more and more people have taken interest in the case, especially leading up to/during the NGN trial. I think people are heading to Twitter to use as their source of information as they’re noticing the media hardly ever report fairly on the case. Comparing 2016 to now A LOT has changed in terms of public opinion, all thanks to Twitter.
Isabella: In this case, what do you believe is the most important aspect/the aspect that resonates with you the most in this case? (media manipulation, lack of justice in the system,
awareness for male victims of domestic abuse, etc)
Brooke: For me, it has to be the media manipulation. It’s opened my eyes to a whole new ugly in the world. It’s actually terrifying how much they influence the public with their biased narratives, and how they have done for years. A wise man in a barrister wig once said to me, “Don’t believe what you read in the press.” and my mental health has significantly improved ever since.
Isabella: If you could say anything to people who are not convinced of Johnny’s innocence, believe Amber is not abusive, or still cling to a “mutual abuse” narrative, what would it be?
Brooke: If you're really interested, don’t just follow the case via reading headlines. Don’t base your opinion on something a tabloid has said. Do your own research, listen to the tapes, read the court documents (there’s plenty of them). Read her 7 witness statements for the NGN trial then compare that to the evidence given by witnesses. Something might just click! ;-)
Isabella: What is your favorite Johnny Depp role?
Brooke: Sweeney Todd!
You can find Brooke on Twitter here.
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