The defamation trial between Amber Heard and Johnny Depp is being followed with great interest. How to proceed and what is at stake.
Johnny Depp and Amber Heard have been at odds in court in Fairfax, Virginia since mid-April. Every statement is broadcast live – the whole world watches and learns about the most intimate details of their failed marriage.
Depp has sued Heard, to whom he was married from 2015 to 2017, for $50 million in damages. The “Pirates of the Caribbean” star accuses the 36-year-old of having seriously damaged his career with false allegations of domestic violence. The background is an article for the “Washington Post” from 2018, in which Heard described himself as a victim of domestic and sexual violence without naming Depp.
Heard has responded with a counterclaim against the 58-year-old, demanding $100 million in damages. She accused Depp of raping her with a bottle while she was intoxicated. Depp, however, denied ever having used violence against her.
Johnny Depp vs. Amber Heard: When will the trial end?
The process began on April 12 with the opening statements from both sides. First, the jury heard testimony from Johnny Depp. For several days, the actor spoke about his relationship with Heard, being questioned by both his defense attorneys and theirs. Amber Heard has testified for the past two weeks of the trial. She sobbed on the witness stand, mentioned incidents of violence in the relationship and painted a very negative picture of her ex-husband.
In addition to the two actresses, the jury heard testimonies from a number of people who were either close to the couple or had a professional connection with them. The process is expected to last until May 27th. Then the twelve-member jury will withdraw and discuss. It was originally scheduled to end on May 19, but due to the sheer volume of evidence, it was extended.
The jury will decide whether Amber Heard’s opinion piece in The Washington Post was defamatory. If the jury found she defamed him, she would have to pay Johnny Depp damages. While Depp is asking for $50 million himself, the jury could make its own recommendation. If you decide in favor of the “Aquaman” actress, you don’t have to pay him any money. It is important to note that the defamation trial is a civil trial, not a criminal trial. Thus, a prison sentence – no matter what the outcome – is excluded.
Sources: AFP /
Source: Stern
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