Kaylah Walton
Johnny Depp’s lawyer expressed concern over his client’s potential outbursts during the 2022 defamation trial in Fairfax County, where allegations of physical abuse against his former wife, Amber Heard, were brought to light.
Depp initiated legal action against Heard after she published an op-ed discussing domestic violence. Ultimately, he emerged victorious, originally awarded $10 million in compensatory damages, which was later reduced to $1 million.
Attorney Benjamin Chew worried that Depp might fall into a familiar trap used to provoke emotions during such accusations.
Chew explained, “Johnny’s humor really diminished the serious points that Amber’s legal team was attempting to make,” during an interview on Interrogation Raw: Celebrity Under Oath. “Our goal was to present Johnny as relatable to the jury.”
He added, “We wanted them to grasp that he is not someone who could hurt the woman he cares about. Our main concern was his ability to remain composed.”
Chew elaborated on the tactics used during cross-examination, indicating, “The opposing side will try hard to provoke Johnny into showing anger, which was something he was determined to avoid throughout the questioning by Heard’s attorney Ben Rottenborn.“
Depp’s Reaction to Victory
Following his court win, Depp expressed that the jury had restored his sense of self, especially after losing roles in movies like Fantastic Beasts as a result of the allegations.
Chew reflected on Depp’s excitement over the verdict, which professionals had predicted he had little chance of winning, highlighting their success in proving he did not engage in sexual violence against Heard.
“He was overjoyed,” Chew remarked about Depp. “He sounded as though a tremendous burden had been lifted. He was like a kid filled with glee.”
In contrast, Heard, who has since moved to Spain, expressed feelings of heartbreak regarding the case’s outcome. She voiced concerns that the verdict could undermine the seriousness of domestic violence against women.
