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The defamation trial between actor Johnny Depp and his ex-wife Amber Heard has come to an end, and now the outcome of the six weeks of testimony lies in the hands of the jurors who have sat in silence, listening to every word, seeing every photo, hearing every sniffle and sob. And the number one question on everyone’s mind is, of course, when will we hear the verdict (and what will the verdict be)?
Yes, what will come of Captain Jack Sparrow?
Credit: Disney
The Johnny Depp v. Amber Heard defamation trial got underway in the Fairfax County Circuit Courthouse on April 11, but the filing of the suit took place in 2019, just months after Amber Heard (Aquaman, The Stand) penned and published an op-ed article in The Washington Times, calling herself a “public figure representing domestic abuse.” Though the piece never mentions his name, Johnny Depp and his legal team allege that Heard’s words in the op-ed have cost him multiple lucrative opportunities in Hollywood, in addition to sullying his good name.
Credit: Insider
After Heard was unsuccessful in having the suit thrown out and unsuccessful in having the case moved to California, she countersued Depp for $100 million, alleging that statements made by Depp’s then-attorney, Adam Waldman, which she alleges were Depp’s statements spoken via his attorney, cost her acting roles in Hollywood as well.
Adam Waldman (L) and Johnny Depp (R)/Credit: CheatSheet
The trial lasted for six long weeks, and Friday afternoon, the case was handed over to the jurors who were selected in April to be present every day of the trial, listening, paying attention, and ultimately, playing the role in deciding who did what to whom and when, and what awards and penalties should ultimately be handed down to Johnny Depp and Amber Heard.
So what happens now?
Diehard Depp fans who’ve watched every moment of the televised trial can barely stand the fact that the jury was handed the case just as the country moves into a 3-day weekend.
According to Law & Crime TV, we won’t have a verdict before Tuesday, as the verdict won’t come over the weekend, and Monday is a national holiday, so the jury will not reconvene until Tuesday.
On Tuesday, the jury will continue deliberations, which could last hours or continue for days to come. In Virginia, the decision must be unanimous. Once a decision is made, it will be shared with the judge, and she will make the announcement.
Credit: Sky News
Anything can happen at this point. The jurors can find that Depp was at fault and award damages to Heard. They can find that Heard was at fault and award damages to Johnny Depp. They can find that neither defamed the other, and they can find that both defamed the other. In any event, if damages are awarded, the amount of those damages could be less than, equal to, or more than what each respective suit asked for in damages. In Depp’s case, that’s “no less than $50 million,” and in Heard’s case, that’s $100 million.
Credit: Insider
Both parties have asked for additional 6-figure damages awards to cover court costs, attorneys’ fees and the like.
It remains to be seen what the jury will decide on all of these issues.
