Celebrity trials amplify America's war over free speech

There’s a growing number of people “with money and an axe to grind that are realizing they can score public and political points by bringing these lawsuits,” he said.

Driving the news: Johnny Depp’s defamation suit against Amber Heard — which he ultimately won — became a polarizing cultural flashpoint, especially on TikTok.

Kyle Rittenhouse — the young adult who gained infamy after shooting three people, killing two, in Kenosha, Wisconsin — said Depp’s victory has inspired him to file a defamation suit of his own.

Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy said he was suing Insider and one of its writers earlier this year over an article that alleged he took videos of women during sexual acts without their consent.