Depp sued Heard for $50 million over an op-ed she published in the Washington Post in 2018 in which she described herself as a “public figure representing domestic violence,” claiming that it caused him to lose the job. Heard opposed the $100 million in defamation charges.
“On May 27, 2016, Mrs. Heard entered court in Los Angeles, California, to receive any notice and previous injunction against Mr. Depp, and in doing so, ruined his life by falsely telling the world that she was a survivor of domestic violence at the hands of Mr. Depp.” “Today, May 27, 2022, exactly six years later, we ask that you give Mr. Depp his life back by telling the world that Mr. Depp is not the aggressor, Mrs. Heard said, and hold Mrs. Heard responsible for her lies.”
Heard’s attorneys, Eileen Bredehoft and Ben Rothenborn, also gave their closing arguments to the jury.
“Amber’s verdict here sends a message that no matter what you do as a victim of abuse, you always have to do more,” Rottenborn said. “No matter what you document, always document more. No matter who you tell, always tell more people. No matter how honest you are about your flaws and shortcomings in a relationship, you have to be perfect for people to believe you. Don’t send that message.”
Rothenborn added that there are “overwhelming” facts that show Depp abused Heard.
Jurors hear 45 minutes of closing arguments for refutation before deliberations begin.
Judge Benny Azcaret began his day by instructing jurors for their deliberations.
“You should not base your judgment in any way on sympathy, biased guesswork, or speculation,” Azcaret said. “Your judgment shall be based solely on the evidence and instructions of the court. Your judgment shall be based on the facts as you find them and on the law that you find in all such instructions.”
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