In 2014, hackers published over 50 intimate photos stolen from Amber Heard’s computer, part of the infamous “celebrity photo hack” that targeted dozens of actress. Five years later — in the wake of another high-profile revenge-porn case, this one involving a former congresswoman who says she was targeted by a vengeful ex — Heard is opening up about the deep psychological impact the crime had on her, and calling for cultural and political change in how such cases are handled.
The actress and activist writes in an op-ed published by the New York Times on Monday, “The hack jeopardized my physical safety, my career, my sense of self-worth and every relationship I have had or will have. And because nothing disappears from the internet, the torment will never end.” Heard emphasizes the permanent damage nonconsensual porn (she prefers this term to “revenge porn” because she believes it to be an issue of privacy rather than intent, but not everyone agrees, and it’s complicated) can have on its victims, adding that in a concrete, legal sense, the damage hasn’t dissipated either. “To this day,” writes Heard, “my private photos remain online and my tormentors remain unpunished.”
Heard argues that her experience has broader significance, writing, “Today everyone is one step away from becoming famous. The power of social media makes it possible for any person to be dragged before the eyes of the world.”
Heard also references the case of former freshman representative Katie Hill, who resigned from Congress in late October after a right-wing website reported that she had a sexual relationship with a campaign staffer and published intimate photos of her. Heard writes:
“Nonconsensual pornography disproportionately affects women, with devastating personal and professional consequences. Last month, Representative Katie Hill of California resigned from office after nude photos of her were released without her consent. Ms. Hill’s resignation highlights how nonconsensual pornography can force women out of positions of power and deter women from political participation.”
In the end Heard seems to appeal particularly to individuals who may still believe that revenge porn is a matter of the victim’s particular vulnerability or personal responsibility rather than a social problem that merits a collective response. “Nonconsensual pornography is one of the worst violations of privacy, and no amount of power or privilege can protect you from it.”