Heard said she was ‘disappointed beyond words’ and ‘heartbroken’ by the verdcit
Amber Heard‘s team has announced plans to appeal the verdict in the Johnny Depp‘s defamation case after a jury on Wednesday found she had defamed her ex-husband.
Alafair Hall, a spokesperson for Heard, said the actor would launch an appeal, The New York Times reported. It is not clear on what grounds she will appeal on.
In order to be granted an appeal, the actor would likely need to demonstrate there were errors in the trial, which took place in Fairfax, Virginia over a two-month period, or that there were issues with the judge’s reading of the law. Or present compelling new evidence or testimony.
The jury initially granted Depp $15m in damages, made up of $10m in compensatory damages and $5m in punitive damages, but Judge Penney Azcarate later reduced the amount to $350,000 to meet Virginia’s statutory limit for punitive damage awards.
Heard made clear she was not satisfied with the result in a statement released following the verdict, describing herself as “disappointed” and arguing there was a “mountain of evidence” to back up her claims.
Depp meanwhile, was seen drinking at a Newcastle pub.
https://twitter.com/realamberheard/status/1532083776741842945?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1532083776741842945%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.insider.com%2Fjohnny-depp-defamation-amber-heard-plans-appeal-verdict-trial-2022-6
A jury found Depp was also liable for defamation and awarded Heard $2 million in compensatory damages.
Depp sued Heard over a 2018 Washington Post op-ed in which she described herself as a victim of domestic violence. While she did not name the Pirates of the Caribbean star, he believes it could be inferred that he was the perpetrator. She counter-sued for $100m.
Heard appeared upset as the jury read the verdict and in a statement afterward she said she was “sad” and “heartbroken”.
BREAKING: A Virginia jury just handed down a stunning verdict, mostly in actor #JohnnyDepp’s favor, at the end of a rollercoaster defamation trial against his ex-wife and actress #AmberHeard. pic.twitter.com/3aKqRVuP2U
— Law&Crime Network (@LawCrimeNetwork) June 1, 2022
“The disappointment I feel today is beyond words,” she said in a statement shared on Twitter.
“I am heartbroken that the mountain of evidence still was not enough to stand up to the disproportionate power, influence, and sway of my ex-husband.”
“I’m sad I lost this case,” Heard continued. “But I am sadder still that I seem to have lost a right I thought I had as an American — to speak freely and openly.”
Related links:
- Johnny Depp going out with Sam Fender was the ending no one saw coming
- Gary Lineker told to ‘delete his account’ after Johnny Depp tweet
- Amber Heard says Johnny Depp trial verdict is a ‘setback’ for women
- Johnny Depp says he has his ‘life back’ after win
