Johnny Depp v Amber Heard trial: What is gaslighting and is it illegal in the UK?
![Amber Heard (R) speaks to her legal team as US actor Johhny Depp (L) returns to the stand after a lunch recess during the 50 million US dollar Depp vs Heard defamation trial at the Fairfax County Circuit Court in Fairfax, Virginia, April 21, 2022. Picture: JIM LO SCALZO/POOL/AFP via Getty Images](https://www.portsmouth.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjczNjMyNGY5LWRjMGUtNDliYi1iNjAwLTZjNjc0NTRmZWM3OTowMDFlMGQzNi0yNTczLTQwOWItODAwZC03M2NhNWFmMmRkOWU=.jpg?crop=3:2,smart&width=640&quality=65&enable=upscale)
![Amber Heard (R) speaks to her legal team as US actor Johhny Depp (L) returns to the stand after a lunch recess during the 50 million US dollar Depp vs Heard defamation trial at the Fairfax County Circuit Court in Fairfax, Virginia, April 21, 2022. Picture: JIM LO SCALZO/POOL/AFP via Getty Images](/img/placeholder.png)
The former married couple are currently suing each other in Virginia, United States.
It was sparked after Johnny Depp sued his ex-wife for defamation for $50m over an opinion piece she published in the Washington Post where she described herself as a survivor of domestic abuse.
Ms Heard counter sued and now a trial is taking place.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdThe trial has attracted plenty of attention since it began in April.
Gawker reports that the “#justiceforjohnnydepp” hashtag on TikTok has over 1.1bn views.
A livestream of the trial continues to attract huge attention, with people commentating on the proceedings.
Among the many comments the term ‘gaslighting’ has been heavily used – and if you search ‘gaslighting Johnny Depp’ on YouTube it brings up a number of videos.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdBut what exactly is gaslighting and is it illegal in the UK?
What is gaslighting?
Gaslighting is a form of psychological manipulation, where someone manipulates another person into doubting their own sanity.
Where does the name come from?
The name comes from the 1944 film Gaslight in which a young woman whose husband slowly manipulates her into believing that she is descending into insanity.
Is it illegal in the UK?
It is recognised as a criminal offence in the UK.