The Johnny Depp and Amber Heard trial was a much-publicized case that fascinated the media and pop culture. From April 11, 2022, to June 1, 2022, the Fairfax County court heard testimony regarding allegations of defamation between the previously married American actors. Depp, as the plaintiff, filed a complaint against Heard for defamation.
The jury ruled that Heard’s references to “sexual violence” and “domestic abuse” were false and defamed Depp with actual malice. As a result, Depp was awarded $10 million in compensatory damages and $5 million in punitive damages.
Despite the jury’s ruling, many people are still fascinated by the case and continue to follow the story. Some people believe Depp was wrongfully accused, while others think Heard was lying about the abuse. Regardless of which side people are on, the trial was a high-profile case that captured the public’s attention.
Now that the trial is over, Heard’s lawyer has announced her plans to appeal the decision. Heard’s lawyer, Elaine Bredehoft, said that Heard could not pay the damages she owed to Depp and had “excellent grounds” for an appeal.
It will be interesting to see how this case develops in the coming months. The trial was a significant event, and the outcome could significantly impact how future cases are handled.
LegalDesire.com spoke to trial attorney Zach Herschensohn, who provided expert commentary on Court TV coverage of the trial, to get his take.
Legal Desire: What did you think about the outcome of the Depp vs. Heard case?
Herschensohn: I thought that the jury reached the correct conclusion. The evidence showed that Heard was not credible and that her allegations of domestic abuse were false. Depp’s legal team did a great job disproving Heard’s claims, and I think the jury made the right call to find her liable for defamation.
Legal Desire: Many people have praised Camille Vasquez (Depp’s attorney) for her performance in the trial. What did you think of her representation?
Herschensohn: I think she (Vasquez) did an outstanding job. Great attorney. Her defense of Depp was very strong, and I think she was instrumental in helping him win the case.
Legal Desire: It was recently announced that Amber Heard has fired her attorney from the trial, Elaine Bredehoft, and replaced her with David Axelrod and Jay Brown for the appeal. Good move, or bad move?
Herschensohn: Elaine Bredehoft lost the trial case, so it’s reasonable to seek a different attorney.
Legal Desire: In your opinion, what is the probability of Heard winning her appeal?
Herschensohn: In my opinion, low. Appeals are difficult, in particular appeals from trial and jury verdicts. If you have an appeal from a judge’s ruling, that is easier to appeal. I think that the chances are slim.
Heard has officially given notice to the court of her plans to appeal the decision. Despite the jury’s decision, Depp has also filed an appeal notice. Under Virginia law, Heard is required to post a bond of $8.3 million in order to conduct her challenge to the verdict. Her lawyers have until September 4th to file their appeal.
To learn more about Zach Herschensohn and his law firm, visit https://zbhlaw.com/.
