Two years have passed, but the legal battle between Johnny Depp and Amber Heard remains ongoing. Back in April 2022, audiences worldwide witnessed the clash between the Pirates of the Caribbean star and his former spouse in a Virginia courtroom. Both Depp and Heard filed defamation lawsuits against each other, stemming from Heard’s OpEd in The Washington Post where she accused Depp of abuse. Depp initially sought $50 million in damages, countered by Heard’s $100 million claim.
Following the publication of Heard’s OpEd, Depp faced repercussions, losing lucrative roles including his dismissal from Pirates of the Caribbean 6 by Disney and being replaced as Gellert Grindelwald in the Fantastic Beasts franchise by Warner Bros. These losses amounted to millions of dollars for Depp.
Ultimately, a Virginia jury ruled that both Depp and Heard had defamed each other, but Heard was deemed more culpable. The jury awarded Depp $10 million in compensatory damages and $5 million in punitive damages, while Heard received $2 million in damages.
Despite the televised courtroom drama, opinions remain divided regarding the proceedings and the impact of cameras in the courtroom. In a recent interview with PEOPLE, lawyers Camille Vasquez and Elaine Bredehoft, representing Depp and Heard respectively, shared their reflections on the case two years later.
Vasquez emphasized the importance of clearing Depp’s name in the court of public opinion, alongside his legal vindication. She stressed that while winning in court is vital, winning public perception is equally if not more crucial.
On the other hand, Bredehoft expressed regret over allowing cameras in the courtroom, believing it distorted public perception and led to misinterpretations on social media. She felt that the trial was “hijacked” by social media.
Vasquez acknowledged that certain aspects of the trial were misrepresented in the media but defended the jury’s verdict, stating it was based on the evidence presented in court. She supported the presence of cameras, arguing for transparency in judicial proceedings.
Interestingly, Vasquez revealed that Depp advocated for cameras in the courtroom to showcase evidence and assert his innocence. However, Bredehoft viewed the presence of cameras as a setback, particularly in cases of sexual assault or domestic violence.
During the trial, a tape was played where Heard admitted to hitting Depp, highlighting the complexity of the case. Post-trial, Heard relocated to Spain with her daughter, while Depp continues his involvement in filmmaking, with his recent film Jeanne Du Barry premiering at Cannes and having a limited US release.
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