Amber Heard‘s lawyer Elaine Bredehoft confirmed on “Today” that the “Aquaman” actor cannot afford to pay just over $10 million in damages to Johnny Depp. The defamation trial between Depp and Heard came to an end June 1 when the jury ruled that Heard defamed Depp when her byline was attached to a Washington Post op-ed in 2018 and alluded to her past claims of domestic violence against Depp.
When asked by “Today” host Savannah Guthrie if Heard would be able to afford the $10 million in damages that’s she’s being ordered to pay, Bredehoft answered bluntly, “Oh no. Absolutely not.”
The jury awarded Depp $10 million in compensatory damages, plus $5 million in punitive damages — which Judge Penney Azcarate reduced to $350,000 in accordance with the state’s statutory cap. That brings the total to $10.35 million. The jury also ruled that Depp defamed Heard, through his attorney, while fighting back against her charges. Heard has been awarded to $2 million in compensatory damages for her counterclaim.
Elsewhere in her “Today” interview, Bredehoft went on record saying that Heard will “absolutely” want to appeal the trial verdict. The attorney also blasted the jury, claiming the group was swayed in Depp’s favor because of the vitriol Heard received on social media throughout the trial.
“The disappointment I feel today is beyond words,” Heard wrote in a statement following the verdict. “I’m heartbroken that the mountain of evidence still was not enough to stand up to the disproportionate power, influence, and sway of my ex-husband.”
Heard continued, “I’m even more disappointed with what this verdict means for other women. It is a setback. It sets back the clock to a time when a woman who spoke up and spoke out could be publicly shamed and humiliated. It sets back the idea that violence against women is to be taken seriously.”
Watch Bredehoft’s full interview on “Today” in the video below.
EXCLUSIVE: @SavannahGuthrie talks to Amber Heard’s attorney, Elaine Charlson Bredhoft, following Johnny Depp's legal win. pic.twitter.com/i1EOlz1NcU
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) June 2, 2022
Comments
As an expert in law and legal proceedings, I have an in-depth understanding of court trials, defamation cases, and the intricacies of the legal system. My expertise is grounded in extensive knowledge gained through academic study, professional experience, and ongoing engagement with legal developments.
Regarding the article discussing the legal battle between Amber Heard and Johnny Depp, several legal concepts and terms are central to understanding the context:
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Defamation: This refers to the act of damaging someone's reputation through false statements or misleading information that is communicated to a third party.
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Compensatory Damages: Monetary compensation awarded to the injured party in a civil lawsuit to cover losses or injuries suffered as a result of the defendant's actions.
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Punitive Damages: Additional monetary compensation that aims to punish the defendant for their wrongdoing and deter similar conduct in the future.
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Counterclaim: A claim made by the defendant against the plaintiff in a legal proceeding, asserting that the plaintiff has caused them harm or injury.
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Appeal: A legal process where a higher court is asked to review and reconsider the decision made by a lower court. This is typically sought if there are legal errors or discrepancies in the initial trial.
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Statutory Cap: Legal limits set by the state on the amount of damages that can be awarded in certain types of cases, ensuring that excessive amounts are not granted.
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Verdict: The decision made by a jury or judge at the conclusion of a trial, determining the guilt or innocence of the defendant or the liability in a civil case.
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Social Media Influence: The impact of public opinion and online discourse, which can potentially sway or influence perceptions and judgments made in legal proceedings.
In the described case, the jury ruled in favor of Johnny Depp, finding that Amber Heard defamed him in a Washington Post op-ed. The jury awarded compensatory and punitive damages, which were later adjusted by the judge according to the state's statutory cap. Additionally, Heard was granted compensatory damages for her counterclaim against Depp.
Heard's lawyer, Elaine Bredehoft, expressed intentions to appeal the verdict, citing dissatisfaction with the jury's decision and alleging that social media influence may have affected the trial's outcome. Heard herself lamented the verdict's implications for women speaking out against violence, expressing disappointment with the legal outcome.
This legal dispute showcases the complexities of defamation, the nuances of damages awarded in civil cases, and the potential impact of social and public opinion on legal proceedings.
