Johnny Depp verdict: Actor’s popularity plummeted after Amber Heard trial, poll shows

Johnny Depp emerged victorious in his defamation case against ex-wife Amber Heard following three days of deliberations by the jury, which also handed Heard a partial win in her countersuit.

Depp sued Heard for $50m for implying he abused her in a 2018Washington Post op-ed. Although she didn’t name him, he claims her allegations impacted his ability to work. She pursued a $100m counterclaim.

The jury determined Heard defamed Depp on all three counts and awarded him $10m in compensatory damages and $5m in punitive damages. Heard was awarded $2m compensatory damages.

When interviewed, Depp’s lawyers were asked about the possibility of dropping damages and said the case was never about money, but wouldn’t comment further.

The “humbled” actor thanked the jury for giving him his life back. He is currently playing gigs on a UK tour with Jeff Beck. Despite massive social media backing for Depp during the trial, a new poll suggests his popularity dropped after the verdict.

In a statement, Heard expressed “disappointment beyond words” and said she was heartbroken, claiming the verdict was a “setback” for women. She has decided to appeal the verdict and is “unable to pay” the damages.

Key points

• Johnny Depp launches TikTok account amid push for comeback

• ‘Humbled’ Depp thanks jury after defamation trial win

• What are Amber Heard’s options to appeal Johnny Depp verdict?

• Johnny Depp shares new message with fans following trial

• Depp’s legal team deny ‘victory lap’ after landmark win against Amber Heard

• Depp may drop damages claim against Heard if she stops appeal, lawyers suggest

• New data: Johnny Depp’s popularity drops following Amber Heard trial win

Savannah Guthrie admits husband works for Johnny Depp’s team before interview

Wednesday 8 June 2022 18:12 , Oliver O'Connell

Savannah Guthrie has admitted that her husband is working as a consultant for Johnny Depp’s legal team after she welcomed his attorneys on her show for a tell-all interview.

Ms Guthrie spoke to Mr Depp’s attorneys Camille Vasquez and Benjamin Chew on Wednesday morning’s NBC Today show, one week after the jury handed down its verdict in his high-stakes defamation case with Amber Heard.

At the start of the interview, she made the disclosure about her husband’s ties to the lawyers before quickly moving on and launching into her questions about the trial.

Read more:

Savannah Guthrie admits husband works for Johnny Depp’s team after lawyer interview

Will Johnny Depp return to Pirates franchise after winning defamation trial?

Wednesday 8 June 2022 18:45 , Oliver O'Connell

In late 2019, it was announced that Disney would be moving forward in developing a script for a Pirates of the Caribbean reboot.

At the time, it hadn’t formally been announced whether Johnny Depp would be attached to the new project.

Here’s what we know about the future of the franchise:

Will Johnny Depp return to Pirates franchise after winning defamation trial?

Depp and Jeff Beck splash out $60k on Indian dinner

Wednesday 8 June 2022 19:30 , Oliver O'Connell

Depp and Jeff Beck racked up a massive bill at an Indian restaurant in Birmingham, following the actor’s defamation trial win.

Depp has been in the UK performing concerts with musician Beck, even missing the final day of the trial for a show, when the jury announced the verdict on 1 June. The two recently announced they will be releasing a new album next month.

On Sunday (5 June), the pair closed Varanasi restaurant to the public, as they were reportedly joined by 20 other friends to share a meal.

According to TMZ, the eatery’s Operations Director Mohammed Hussain said Depp’s final bill was around £50,000 ($60,000) in total.

In an Instagram post, the restaurant shared a few photos, along with a caption that read: “The most talked about person on the planet right now joined us for dinner last night!”

The Independent’s Inga Parkel reports:

Johnny Depp and Jeff Beck rack up £50k bill at Indian restaurant in Birmingham

Heard’s options to appeal: Evidentiary issues

Wednesday 8 June 2022 20:15 , Oliver O'Connell

Speaking to Clémence Michallon about appeal options, Jesse Weber, a host and attorney at the Law & Crime network, pointed to statements made by Heard attorney Elaine Bredehoft in interviews after the trial in seeking to outline possible strategies for Ms Heard’s legal team.

“The arguments on appeal are focused on what Heard believes are incorrect legal rulings by the judge. That is why making objections and motions during the course of the trial is so important to preserve these issues for appeal,” he said.

“Based on Elaine Bredehoft’s comments after the verdict, it seems they will be focusing on evidence that was ‘suppressed’ at trial, such as medical records, and perhaps arguing prejudicial evidence from [Mr Depp] was allowed to be introduced. It also seems [Ms Heard’s team] took issue with the fact that the UK ruling, where a judge found multiple instances of abuse by [Mr Depp], could not be presented to the jury.”

Mr Depp sued The Sun’s publishing company in 2018 over a headline which had called him a “wife beater”. A judge ruled against him in the UK case in 2020.

Ms Heard’s attorneys “could also argue there were problems with the jury instructions/jury form,” Mr Weber added.

Depp’s legal team deny ‘victory lap’ after landmark win against Amber Heard

Wednesday 8 June 2022 20:45 , Oliver O'Connell

The legal team for Johnny Depp has denied the accusation from a spokesperson for Amber Heard who said the attorneys were taking a “victory lap” by making TV appearances following their client winning a blockbuster defamation case.

Attorneys Camile Vasquez and Ben Chew were grilled by Good Morning America host George Stephanopoulos on Wednesday morning in one of their first televised interviews since their client emerged victorious in his defamation case against his ex-wife.

Johanna Chisholm reports:

Depp’s lawyers deny ‘victory lap’ after winning defamation case against Amber Heard

Social media ‘played no role whatsoever’ in jury’s verdict in Amber Heard trial, says lawyer

Wednesday 8 June 2022 21:15 , Oliver O'Connell

Johnny Depp’s attorney has claimed that social media “played no role whatsoever” in the jury’s verdict in his defamation case against ex-wife Amber Heard.

Ben Chew, who represented the Pirates actor at the trial in Fairfax, Virginia, dismissed claims from Ms Heard’s legal team that the social media circus surrounding the case could have influenced the outcome.

Rachel Sharp reports:

Johnny Depp’s lawyer claims TikTok ‘played no role whatsoever’ in Heard verdict

Why did the jury not believe Heard?

Wednesday 8 June 2022 21:45 , Oliver O'Connell

On NBC’s Today show on Wednesday morning, Savannah Guthrie asked why the jury did not believe Amber Heard’s claims about Johnny Depp and abuse.

Lawyer Ben Chew says it came down to “accountability”, in that Mr Depp took accountability for his alcohol and drug abuse and text messages, where the jury may have perceived that Ms Heard didn’t take accountability for anything.

As for the larger message beyond the case, Camille Vasquez says she doesn’t see one and that they encourage all victims to come forward and have their day in court “which is exactly what happened in this case”.

Depp may drop damages claim against Heard if she stops appeal, lawyers suggest

Wednesday 8 June 2022 22:15 , Oliver O'Connell

Johnny Depp’s lawyers appeared on Good Morning America after winning the defamation trial against his ex-wife Amber Heard.

Host George Stephanopoulos asked if Mr Depp would forego the $8.35m in damages if Ms Heard dropped her appeal. Attorney Ben Chew said the case was never about money for Mr Depp but that he couldn’t reveal much more because of attorney-client privilege.

Read more:

Johnny Depp may drop $8m damages claim against Amber Heard

Depp lawyers claim evidence submitted in US trial exceeded that of UK trial

Wednesday 8 June 2022 22:35 , Oliver O'Connell

On NBC’s Today show on Wednesday morning, Savannah Guthrie asked Johnny Depp’s trial lawyers about why the UK judgment against Mr Depp in his defamation trial against The Sun was not included in the US trial. That case found the paper’s claims about him being a “wife-beater” were substantially true.

Camille Vasquez responds: “It was a different process, and also, in this case, Mr Depp and Ms Heard were parties with different disclosure obligations.”

“The overwhelming evidence that was presented in this case in Virginia far exceeded what was presented in the UK, and we believe the jury got it right.”

Heard’s sister breaks her silence following verdict

Wednesday 8 June 2022 23:00 , Oliver O'Connell

Heard’s sister Whitney Henriquez took to Instagram on Sunday to say she is “proud” of the Aquaman actor despite last week’s verdict.

“Yesterday, today and tomorrow I will always be proud of you for standing up for yourself, for testifying both here in Virginia and in the UK, and for being the voice of so many who can’t speak to the things that happen behind closed doors,” wrote Henriquez, who had testified during the trial.

“We knew that this was going to be an uphill battle and that the cards were stacked against us. But you stood up and spoke out regardless.”

The Independent’s Annabel Nugent reports:

Amber Heard’s sister breaks silence after verdict

How much do Depp and Amber Heard owe each other?

Wednesday 8 June 2022 23:45 , Oliver O'Connell

Depp prevailed in his $50m (£40m) defamation lawsuit against his ex-wife Amber Heard over accusations of domestic abuse last week.

A seven-person civil jury in Virginia found that Ms Heard defamed the Pirates of the Caribbean and Fantastic Beasts star when she implied he abused her in a 2018 op-ed for The Washington Post.

The jury also upheld one of Ms Heard’s three claims in a $100m countersuit against Mr Depp and his lawyer, who had called her original allegations in 2016 an “ambush” and “a hoax”.

Neither side got the full amount they wanted.

Io Dodds reports:

Heard ‘unable to pay’ the millions in damages

Thursday 9 June 2022 00:30 , Oliver O'Connell

Amber Heard’s lawyer says that her client will be unable to pay the millions in damages she must hand over to Johnny Depp after a jury determined she defamed her ex-husband in the weeks-long trial.

Speaking one day after the verdict was delivered, attorney Elaine Bredehoft told Savannah Guthri while appearing on NBC’s The Today Show that her client is “absolutely not” able to pay the $8.35m in damages that the Pirates of the Caribbean actor won after a jury deliberated for three days following the closely followed, and widely panned, trial.

Johanna Chisholm reports:

Amber Heard can’t pay $8.35m damages to Johnny Depp, says lawyer. What happens next?

Heard lawyer says ‘enormous amount of evidence was suppressed’ in trial

Thursday 9 June 2022 01:15 , Oliver O'Connell

A lawyer representing Amber Heard in her defamation trial against Johnny Depp has spoken out following the verdict to say that “an enormous amount of evidence was suppressed” during the weeks-long trial.

Attorney Elaine Bredehoft appeared on The Today Show on Thursday morning, hours after a jury determined Ms Heard defamed Mr Depp on all three counts in his lawsuit against her regarding a 2018 op-ed she wrote in the Washington Post about being a victim of domestic abuse.

The jury also found in favour of one of three claims in Ms Heard’s countersuit, determining that Mr Depp’s lawyer had called her abuse allegations against her ex-husband a hoax.

Megan Sheets reports:

Amber Heard lawyer says ‘enormous amount of evidence suppressed’ in Johnny Depp trial

Trial stenographer denies ‘partying’ with Depp

Thursday 9 June 2022 02:00 , Oliver O'Connell

The stenographer who chronicled Depp and Heard’s defamation trial has been dragged into a social media firestorm after footage of her hugging the Pirates actor went viral.

In the video, court reporter Judy Bellinger was seen embracing Depp after both sides presented closing arguments on 27 May.

Ms Bellinger was forced to defend herself after Heard supporters claimed the footage is proof of bias.

The Independent’s Gustaf Kilander reports:

Depp v Heard stenographer denies ‘partying’ with actor as critics accuse her of bias

Trial wristbands on sale for $5,000 on eBay

Thursday 9 June 2022 03:00 , Oliver O'Connell

Some spectators who attended the defamation trial between Johnny Depp and Amber Heard in Fairfax County, Virginia are now selling their paper wristbands online.

Sheriffs at the Fairfax County courthouse distributed wristbands as a crowd control measure at the highly publicised trial, which attracted a large number of vocal Depp fans in particular.

Several people who were admitted to the courthouse are now selling those disposable, colour-coded paper wristbands – stamped with their date of entry – on auction websites like eBay for as much as $5,000 (£4,000).

Amanda Whiting reports:

Depp vs Heard trial wristbands on sale for £4,000 on eBay

Unlikely cult celebrities of the Depp v Heard trial

Thursday 9 June 2022 04:00 , Oliver O'Connell

Fans of the estranged couple exhaustively documented Depp and Heard’s every move and mannerism in court, their attorneys’ arguments, the judge’s interventions and a wealth of colourful witness testimony on TikTok, Instagram and Twitter, carving up what might have amounted to dry legal proceedings into a spectator sport.

All of which has raised disapproving eyebrows in some quarters, with concerns expressed that the real issue at the heart of the case, domestic violence, was lost in what has become a bad taste viral soap opera.

While those criticisms are more than valid, there is no question that the trial provided an extraordinary spectacle and a cast of unforgettable supporting characters who found themselves unlikely cult celebrities.

Unlikely cult celebrities of Johnny Depp v Amber Heard, from lawyers to alpacas

Johnny Depp mobbed by fans in Birmingham

Thursday 9 June 2022 04:59 , Oliver O'Connell

Excited fans swarmed Johnny Depp’s tour bus and brought traffic to a halt after a concert, with one onlooker comparing the scenes to Beatlemania.

The actor was leaving Birmingham’s Symphony Hall on Monday after playing alongside rocker Jeff Beck when he was mobbed.

Footage shows fans packing around the blacked-out coach, with one sat on the shoulders of another and holding up a sign to the windows of the vehicle.

Josie Adnitt reports:

Johnny Depp mobbed by fans in Birmingham

Snoop Dogg weighs in on Depp v Heard trial

Thursday 9 June 2022 07:00 , Oliver O'Connell

Snoop Dogg has said he prays that everyone can “learn to get along” following the verdicts in the defamation trial between Amber Heard and Johnny Depp.

The rapper said he had been “busy doing Snoop Dogg” and so did not keep up with the high-profile case, but hoped others could “be better, with or without each other”.

Snoop Dogg hopes ‘everyone can get learn to get along’ after Depp v Heard trial

Johnny Depp launches TikTok account amid push for comeback

Thursday 9 June 2022 09:00 , Oliver O'Connell

Johnny Depp is now on TikTok.

The 58-year-old actor, who recently won a multimillion-dollar defamation case against his ex-wife, Amber Heard, joined the video-sharing app on Monday (6 June).

So far, Depp has amassed more than 800k followers on the verified TikTok account @JohnnyDepp.

Despite the large following, the Pirates of The Caribbean star is yet to post his first TikTok video.

Read more:

Johnny Depp launches TikTok account amid push for comeback

Depp posts thank you message to fans

Thursday 9 June 2022 11:00 , Oliver O'Connell

Johnny Depp has released a video message to fans pledging to “move forward,” after winning the high-profile defamation case against ex-wife Amber Heard.

Less than a week after the jury ruled in favour of the Pirates actor, Depp posted a video compilation of footage from his recent concerts.

Inga Parkel has the story:

Johnny Depp may let Amber Heard escape damages, lawyers suggest - follow latest

Depp’s legal team deny ‘victory lap’ after landmark win against Amber Heard

Thursday 9 June 2022 12:00 , Oliver O'Connell

The legal team for Johnny Depp has denied the accusation from a spokesperson for Amber Heard who said the attorneys were taking a “victory lap” by making TV appearances following their client winning a blockbuster defamation case.

Attorneys Camile Vasquez and Ben Chew were grilled by Good Morning America host George Stephanopoulos on Wednesday morning in one of their first televised interviews since their client emerged victorious in his defamation case against his ex-wife.

Johanna Chisholm reports:

Depp’s lawyers deny ‘victory lap’ after winning defamation case against Amber Heard

Social media ‘played no role whatsoever’ in jury’s verdict in Amber Heard trial, says lawyer

Thursday 9 June 2022 13:00 , Oliver O'Connell

Johnny Depp’s attorney has claimed that social media “played no role whatsoever” in the jury’s verdict in his defamation case against ex-wife Amber Heard.

Ben Chew, who represented the Pirates actor at the trial in Fairfax, Virginia, dismissed claims from Ms Heard’s legal team that the social media circus surrounding the case could have influenced the outcome.

Rachel Sharp reports:

Johnny Depp may let Amber Heard escape damages, lawyers suggest - follow latest

Depp may drop damages claim against Heard if she stops appeal, lawyers suggest

Thursday 9 June 2022 13:45 , Oliver O'Connell

Johnny Depp’s lawyers appeared on Good Morning America after winning the defamation trial against his ex-wife Amber Heard.

Host George Stephanopoulos asked if Mr Depp would forego the $8.35m in damages if Ms Heard dropped her appeal. Attorney Ben Chew said the case was never about money for Mr Depp but that he couldn’t reveal much more because of attorney-client privilege.

Read more:

Johnny Depp may drop $8m damages claim against Amber Heard

Camille Vasquez gushes about being an ‘inspiration’ to women going to law school

Thursday 9 June 2022 14:30 , Oliver O'Connell

Johnny Depp’s attorney Camille Vasquez has gushed about being an “inspiration” to women thinking about going to law school after the jury sided with the actor in his defamation trial with Amber Heard.

Ms Vasquez spoke out on ABC’s Good Morning America on Wednesday morning where she told host George Stephanopoulos that it was “overwhelming” to have become an overnight social media star during the bombshell case.

Rachel Sharp reports:

Johnny Depp may let Amber Heard escape damages, lawyers suggest - follow latest

Camille Vasquez promoted to partner after trial success

Thursday 9 June 2022 15:15 , Oliver O'Connell

Camille Vasquez has been elevated to partner at her firm Brown Rudnick following the key role she played as a member of Johnny Depp’s legal team during the defamation trial against Amber Heard.

Ms Vasquez became one of several unexpected celebrities at the trial through her tough cross-examination of witnesses and frequent objections to defence counsel questions.

Johnny Depp lawyer Camille Vasquez promoted to partner after defamation trial success

Voices: Johnny Depp is dining out on his trial win in some truly distasteful ways

Thursday 9 June 2022 16:00 , Oliver O'Connell

Opinion: Johnny Depp is dining out on his trial win in some truly distasteful ways

Depp reaches 10 million followers on TikTok within 24 hours of posting his first video

Thursday 9 June 2022 17:00 , Megan Sheets

Depp’s TikTok following has exploded in recent days as he continues to lap up attention in the wake of his trial success.

The actor joined the video-sharing app on Monday (6 June) days after winning his multimillion-dollar defamation trial against his ex-wife Amber Heard.

Depp managed to reach more than 3 million followers without having posted a single piece of content. His biography on the platform reads: “Occasional Thespian.”

The Independent’s Annabel Nugent has more:

Johnny Depp reaches 10 million TikTok followers within hours of posting first video

Emma Thompson says Depp v Heard trial will not ‘derail’ MeToo movement

Thursday 9 June 2022 17:25 , Megan Sheets

Oscar winner Emma Thompson opened up about her views on the Depp v Heard case during a recent appearance on BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour, addressing the fear expressed by some that Depp’s victory could lead women to stay silent on allegations of abuse.

Thompson urged listeners to note that the case was not “representative” of MeToo.

Asked whether the trial signalled the end of the MeToo movement, Thompson replied: “One of the things that’s very difficult to do is judge an issue like the MeToo issue brings to the fore when you’re dealing with very, very famous people. It’s a whole other thing.

“So actually one of the great issues to do with that case is fame... and how people who are famous are treated differently and viewed differently.”

The Independent’s Annabel Nugent reports:

Emma Thompson says Johnny Depp v Amber Heard trial won’t ‘derail’ the MeToo movement

Depp and Heard face uphill battle to rebuild images

Thursday 9 June 2022 18:00 , Megan Sheets

After an explosive six-week libel trial followed by millions on social media and live TV, Johnny Depp and Amber Heard each face an uphill battle: trying to rebuild their images and careers.

Depp already has a head start, with a jury verdict Wednesday largely favoring his narrative, that his ex-wife defamed him by accusing him of abusing her.

“Depp has a hill to climb. Heard has a mountain to climb,” said Eric Dezenhall, a crisis mitigator in Washington with no involvement in the case.

Johnny Depp and Amber Heard: Uphill battle to rebuild images

Washington Post adds editor’s note to Amber Heard’s 2018 op-ed

Thursday 9 June 2022 19:00 , Megan Sheets

Following the verdict in the dueling defamation suits filed by Amber Heard and Johnny Depp, the op-ed at the centre of his claim against her has been amended.

The Washington Post has added an editor’s note to the article bylined by Ms Heard and originally published in both print and online on 18 December 2018.

Washington Post adds editor’s note to Amber Heard op-ed after Johnny Depp verdict

Unlikely cult celebrities of Johnny Depp v Amber Heard

Thursday 9 June 2022 20:00 , Megan Sheets

Fans of the estranged couple exhaustively documented the plaintiff and defendant’s every move and mannerism in court, their attorneys’ arguments, the judge’s interventions and a wealth of colourful witness testimony on TikTok, Instagram and Twitter, carving up what might have amounted to dry legal proceedings into a spectator sport.

All of which has raised disapproving eyebrows in some quarters, with concerns expressed that the real issue at the heart of the case, domestic violence, was lost in what has become a bad taste viral soap opera.

While those criticisms are more than valid, there is no question that the trial provided an extraordinary spectacle and a cast of unforgettable supporting characters who found themselves unlikely cult celebrities.

Unlikely cult celebrities of Johnny Depp v Amber Heard, from lawyers to alpacas

Voices: The verdict isn’t surprising. What I saw in the courtroom sickened me

Thursday 9 June 2022 21:00 , Megan Sheets

Clémence Michallon writes:

I reported on this trial over the course of seven weeks. It took over my professional life, and many of my personal conversations. It was a difficult, often grim assignment.

Through it all, the cruelty of those who mocked Heard never ceased to amaze me.

Depp-Heard trial verdict isn’t surprising. What I saw in the courtroom sickened me

Billie Eilish references Johnny Depp v Amber Heard trial in unreleased song

Thursday 9 June 2022 22:00 , Megan Sheets

Billie Eilish made reference to the Depp v Heard in an unreleased song that she performed to fans on her UK tour.

The 20-year-old pop star is currently in the UK on her world tour for her second album Happier Than Ever.

Performing at Manchester’s AO Arena on Tuesday (7 June), Eilish debuted a new song titled “TV”.

The track – which is yet to be released – is a slow, melancholy number with lyrics that reference the highly publicised Depp v Heard trial that came to an end last week

“The internet’s gone wild watching movie stars on trial, while they’re overturning Roe v Wade,” Eilish sang while sat on a stool opposite her brother and collaborator Finneas who played the acoustic guitar.

Billie Eilish references Johnny Depp trial in unreleased song debuted in Manchester

Depp may drop damages claim against Heard if she stops appeal, lawyers suggest

Thursday 9 June 2022 23:00 , Megan Sheets

Johnny Depp’s lawyers appeared on Good Morning America a on Wednesday a week after winning the defamation trial against his ex-wife Amber Heard.

Host George Stephanopoulos asked if Mr Depp would forego the $8.35m in damages if Ms Heard dropped her appeal. Attorney Ben Chew said the case was never about money for Mr Depp but that he couldn’t reveal much more because of attorney-client privilege.

Read more:

Johnny Depp may drop $8m damages claim against Amber Heard

Depp’s legal team deny ‘victory lap’ after landmark win against Heard

Friday 10 June 2022 00:00 , Megan Sheets

The legal team for Johnny Depp has denied the accusation from a spokesperson for Amber Heard who said the attorneys were taking a “victory lap” by making TV appearances following their client winning a blockbuster defamation case.

Attorneys Camile Vasquez and Ben Chew were grilled by Good Morning America host George Stephanopoulos on Wednesday morning in one of their first televised interviews since their client emerged victorious in his defamation case against his ex-wife.

Johanna Chisholm reports:

Depp’s lawyers deny ‘victory lap’ after winning defamation case against Amber Heard

Social media ‘played no role whatsoever’ in jury’s verdict in Amber Heard trial, says lawyer

Friday 10 June 2022 01:00 , Megan Sheets

Johnny Depp’s attorney has claimed that social media “played no role whatsoever” in the jury’s verdict in his defamation case against ex-wife Amber Heard.

Ben Chew, who represented the Pirates actor at the trial in Fairfax, Virginia, dismissed claims from Ms Heard’s legal team that the social media circus surrounding the case could have influenced the outcome.

Rachel Sharp reports:

Johnny Depp’s lawyer claims TikTok ‘played no role whatsoever’ in Heard verdict

Emma Thompson says Depp v Heard trial will not ‘derail’ MeToo movement

Friday 10 June 2022 02:00 , Megan Sheets

Oscar winner Emma Thompson opened up about her views on the Depp v Heard case during a recent appearance on BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour, addressing the fear expressed by some that Depp’s victory could lead women to stay silent on allegations of abuse.

Thompson urged listeners to note that the case was not “representative” of MeToo.

Asked whether the trial signalled the end of the MeToo movement, Thompson replied: “One of the things that’s very difficult to do is judge an issue like the MeToo issue brings to the fore when you’re dealing with very, very famous people. It’s a whole other thing.

“So actually one of the great issues to do with that case is fame... and how people who are famous are treated differently and viewed differently.”

The Independent’s Annabel Nugent reports:

Emma Thompson says Johnny Depp v Amber Heard trial won’t ‘derail’ the MeToo movement

Depp reaches 10 million followers on TikTok in 24 hours

Friday 10 June 2022 03:00 , Megan Sheets

Depp’s TikTok following has exploded in recent days as he continues to lap up attention in the wake of his trial success.

The actor joined the video-sharing app on Monday (6 June) days after winning his multimillion-dollar defamation trial against his ex-wife Amber Heard.

Depp managed to reach more than 3 million followers without having posted a single piece of content. His biography on the platform reads: “Occasional Thespian.”

The Independent’s Annabel Nugent has more:

Johnny Depp reaches 10 million TikTok followers within hours of posting first video

Voices: Johnny Depp is dining out on his trial win in some truly distasteful ways

Friday 10 June 2022 05:01 , Megan Sheets

Harriet Williamson writes:

It’s all gravy in Deppland, and well it might be. The “global humiliation” he promised his ex-wife is complete. Abuse has rained down on her on every conceivable platform, blanketing social media like a biblical plague. Heard’s facial expressions, gestures and mannerisms have been dissected and rubbished by armchair detectives, her testimony mocked with filters and by TikTok users mimicking and mugging at the camera.

Forget locusts, darkness, hail, water turning to blood – try being an unpopular woman testifying against a popular man.

Opinion: Johnny Depp is dining out on his trial win in some truly distasteful ways

Camille Vasquez promoted to partner after trial success

Friday 10 June 2022 07:00 , Megan Sheets

Camille Vasquez has been elevated to partner at her firm Brown Rudnick following the key role she played as a member of Johnny Depp’s legal team during the defamation trial against Amber Heard.

Ms Vasquez became one of several unexpected celebrities at the trial through her tough cross-examination of witnesses and frequent objections to defence counsel questions.

Johnny Depp lawyer Camille Vasquez promoted to partner after defamation trial success

Johnny Depp’s lawyer Camille Vasquez shuts down dating rumours with actor

Friday 10 June 2022 08:00 , Peony Hirwani

Johnny Depp‘s lawyer Camille Vasquez has once again shut down rumours that she is dating her client.

Depp’s supporters created memes portraying Vasquez as Marvel’s Thor, and even posted TikToks set to romantic music of the pair holding hands and talking closely.

In a recent interview with People, Vasquez addressed the fan and tabloid speculation over whether she was in a romantic relationship with the Pirates of The Caribbean star.

“I guess it comes with the territory of being a woman just doing her job,” she said.

“It’s disappointing that certain outlets kind of ran with it or said that my interactions with Johnny – who is a friend and I’ve known and represented for four-and-a-half years now – that my interactions in any way were inappropriate or unprofessional. That’s disappointing to hear.”

Read more:

Johnny Depp’s lawyer Camille Vasquez shuts down dating rumours with actor

Depp hired lawyer as consultant for trial after seeing her in Making a Murderer

Friday 10 June 2022 09:00 , Megan Sheets

An attorney says Johnny Depp hired her as a legal consultant for his defamation trial against Amber Heard after seeing her in the series Making a Murderer.

Kathleen Zellner, an American lawyer who was featured in the Netflix show, spoke to Law & Crime after a verdict was announced in the case on Wednesday (1 June).

Ms Zellner said Mr Depp called her and left a voicemail at her office at the end of December. She said Mr Depp told her he had seen her in Making a Murderer say that she “would be the last person someone would hire if they were guilty, because you would find out about it.”

“I was struck that that’s what motivated him to contact me,” Ms Zellner added.

Clémence Michallon reports:

Lawyer says Depp hired her as consultant after seeing her in Making a Murderer

Johnny Depp’s lawyer reveals why he did fist pump over Kate Moss mention in court

Friday 10 June 2022 10:00 , Peony Hirwani

Johnny Depp’s lawyer Ben Chew has revealed why he did a little fist pump when Amber Heard’s attorney mentioned Kate Moss in the court during the defamation trial.

During the trial, Ms Heard’s attorney accused the Pirates of The Caribbean star of pushing his former girlfriend Moss down the stairs.

When Ms Heard’s team requested Moss’s testimony, Mr Depp’s attorneys appeared to celebrate the moment via a fist pump.

In a recent interview with Law & Crime Network, Mr Chew said: “There was an instance in which Ms Heard actually did admit to punching Johnny, and that was what we call the ‘staircase incident.’

Read more:

Johnny Depp’s lawyer reveals why he did fist pump over Kate Moss mention in court

Billie Eilish references Johnny Depp v Amber Heard trial in unreleased song

Friday 10 June 2022 11:00 , Megan Sheets

Billie Eilish made reference to the Depp v Heard in an unreleased song that she performed to fans on her UK tour.

The 20-year-old pop star is currently in the UK on her world tour for her second album Happier Than Ever.

Performing at Manchester’s AO Arena on Tuesday (7 June), Eilish debuted a new song titled “TV”.

The track – which is yet to be released – is a slow, melancholy number with lyrics that reference the highly publicised Depp v Heard trial that came to an end last week

“The internet’s gone wild watching movie stars on trial, while they’re overturning Roe v Wade,” Eilish sang while sat on a stool opposite her brother and collaborator Finneas who played the acoustic guitar.

Billie Eilish references Johnny Depp trial in unreleased song debuted in Manchester

Unlikely cult celebrities of Johnny Depp v Amber Heard

Friday 10 June 2022 12:00 , Megan Sheets

Fans of the estranged couple exhaustively documented the plaintiff and defendant’s every move and mannerism in court, their attorneys’ arguments, the judge’s interventions and a wealth of colourful witness testimony on TikTok, Instagram and Twitter, carving up what might have amounted to dry legal proceedings into a spectator sport.

All of which has raised disapproving eyebrows in some quarters, with concerns expressed that the real issue at the heart of the case, domestic violence, was lost in what has become a bad taste viral soap opera.

While those criticisms are more than valid, there is no question that the trial provided an extraordinary spectacle and a cast of unforgettable supporting characters who found themselves unlikely cult celebrities.

Unlikely cult celebrities of Johnny Depp v Amber Heard, from lawyers to alpacas

‘It’s so hard to talk when no one will hear’: Johnny Depp releases new song about pitfalls of fame

Friday 10 June 2022 12:45 , Peony Hirwani

Johnny Depp has released a new song about the pitfalls of fame.

The track, which is called “This is a Song for Miss Hedy Lamarr”, is performed with Jeff Beck and taken from the duo’s forthcoming joint album, 18, which will be released on 15 July.

Ostensibly singing about Forties film star Lamarr, the lyrics of the first verse go: “Erased by the same world who made her a star… The light of her being, her exotic allure / Was torn at the seams for daring to dream / It’s so hard to speak when you’re frozen in scream… Feels like a dream, but it’s life and it’s death.”

In the chorus, Depp sings: ​“I don’t believe, I can’t believe, I won’t believe humans any more.” At another point, he laments: “It’s so hard to talk when no one will hear, and everyone stares as you quiver in fear.”

Depp and Beck have been playing across the UK in recent weeks, with Depp missing the last day of his defamation trial against his ex-wife Amber Heard for a gig.

Ellie Harrison reports:

Johnny Depp releases new song about pitfalls of fame

Voices: Amber Heard didn’t ask for any of this — but the verdict will change her life

Friday 10 June 2022 13:00 , Megan Sheets

Kathleen N Walsh writes:

There’s a fair argument to be made that no matter which way the jury went in the Johnny Depp-Amber Heard defamation case, Heard — and domestic abuse survivors at large — had already lost. Certainly, the weeks and weeks of social media abuse, the humiliation, and the relived trauma Heard endured throughout this highly public trial would be enough on its own to have a chilling effect on future domestic abuse survivors. But the verdict still matters. And it especially matters because Heard never asked for any of this: Lest we forget, Depp sued her.

Read more:

Amber Heard didn’t ask for any of this — but the verdict will change her life

What are Amber Heard’s options to appeal Johnny Depp verdict

Friday 10 June 2022 14:00 , Megan Sheets

Heard’s attorney Elaine Bredehoft has said her client will appeal the verdict, which largely favoured Depp.

The Independent’s Clémence Michallon spoke to three attorneys about Heard’s potential avenues.

What attorneys say about Amber Heard’s options to appeal Johnny Depp verdict

Emma Thompson says Depp v Heard trial will not ‘derail’ MeToo movement

Friday 10 June 2022 15:00 , Megan Sheets

Oscar winner Emma Thompson opened up about her views on the Depp v Heard case during a recent appearance on BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour, addressing the fear expressed by some that Depp’s victory could lead women to stay silent on allegations of abuse.

Thompson urged listeners to note that the case was not “representative” of MeToo.

Asked whether the trial signalled the end of the MeToo movement, Thompson replied: “One of the things that’s very difficult to do is judge an issue like the MeToo issue brings to the fore when you’re dealing with very, very famous people. It’s a whole other thing.

“So actually one of the great issues to do with that case is fame... and how people who are famous are treated differently and viewed differently.”

The Independent’s Annabel Nugent reports:

Emma Thompson says Johnny Depp v Amber Heard trial won’t ‘derail’ the MeToo movement

Voices: The Depp and Heard trial has become as divisive as Brexit

Friday 10 June 2022 15:30 , Oliver O'Connell

Victoria Richards writes:

“Who do you support?” a friend I haven’t seen for a while asked me on the school run. He’s American, and was asking me about the talking point of 2022: no, not the pandemic, not Partygate, but the Johnny Depp and Amber Heard trial, of course.

“Come on, you can’t possibly believe Amber ‘poopy’ Heard,” he added, a genuine tinge of disbelief to his voice. “She’s mad!”

And so, I found myself repeating what I’ve been saying all along, when I’ve seen the disgusting memes and reactions on social media – those directed at Heard, who by any objective estimation has been through living hell, and the comments hurled at those who have written critically of the differing treatment meted out for Johnny “roses thrown in his path, crowds waving, people taking their babies to wait outside court for him” Depp – that the world has become strangely split and divided.

Read more:

Opinion: The Johnny Depp and Amber Heard trial has become as divisive as Brexit

Depp and Heard face uphill battle to rebuild images

Friday 10 June 2022 16:00 , Oliver O'Connell

After an explosive six-week libel trial followed by millions on social media and live TV, Johnny Depp and Amber Heard each face an uphill battle: trying to rebuild their images and careers.

Depp already has a head start, with a jury verdict Wednesday largely favoring his narrative, that his ex-wife defamed him by accusing him of abusing her.

“Depp has a hill to climb. Heard has a mountain to climb,” said Eric Dezenhall, a crisis mitigator in Washington with no involvement in the case.

Johnny Depp and Amber Heard: Uphill battle to rebuild images

Donald Trump Jr launches fresh social media attack on Amber Heard

Friday 10 June 2022 16:37 , Oliver O'Connell

Donald Trump Jr launched a social media attack on Amber Heard as his father was being publically skewered by the January 6 committee.

During a tense prime-time hearing on Thursday night, the House panel directly blamed former President Donald Trump for the 2021 insurrection, which they said was an “attempted coup”.

Mr Trump Jr apparently wasn’t paying attention to what was unfolding at the hearing, as took to Instagram to post an image with the words “believe all women? Really? All of them? That’s the dumbest thing I’ve Amber Heard”.

Read more:

Don Jr launches fresh attack on Amber Heard as father skewered in first Jan 6 hearing

Depp’s legal team deny ‘victory lap’ after landmark win against Heard

Friday 10 June 2022 17:00 , Oliver O'Connell

The legal team for Johnny Depp has denied the accusation from a spokesperson for Amber Heard who said the attorneys were taking a “victory lap” by making TV appearances following their client winning a blockbuster defamation case.

Attorneys Camile Vasquez and Ben Chew were grilled by Good Morning America host George Stephanopoulos on Wednesday morning in one of their first televised interviews since their client emerged victorious in his defamation case against his ex-wife.

Johanna Chisholm reports:

Depp’s lawyers deny ‘victory lap’ after winning defamation case against Amber Heard

New data: Johnny Depp’s popularity drops following Amber Heard trial win

Friday 10 June 2022 17:24 , Oliver O'Connell

Johnny Depp’s popularity has fallen among US adults, following his legal victory against ex-wife Amber Heard in a high-profile defamation trial.

Depp had sued Heard for $50m (£40m) for allegedly implying he abused her in a 2018 Washington Post op-ed. She pursued a $100m (£80m) counterclaim.

After six weeks of testimony and three days of deliberation, on 1 June, the jury sided in favour of Depp, finding Heard liable for defamation.

While the Pirates of the Caribbean star’s overwhelming popularity on social media amid and after the trial painted a picture of rising favorability for Depp, the data tells a slightly different story.

Inga Parkel reports:

Johnny Depp’s popularity drops following Amber Heard trial win, according to new data

Washington Post adds editor’s note to Amber Heard’s 2018 op-ed

Friday 10 June 2022 18:00 , Oliver O'Connell

Following the verdict in the dueling defamation suits filed by Amber Heard and Johnny Depp, the op-ed at the centre of his claim against her has been amended.

The Washington Post has added an editor’s note to the article bylined by Ms Heard and originally published in both print and online on 18 December 2018.

Washington Post adds editor’s note to Amber Heard op-ed after Johnny Depp verdict

Courtroom notebook sells for $15k on eBay

Friday 10 June 2022 18:30 , Oliver O'Connell

No, really.

‘Top secret’ notebook from Depp-Heard trial sells for $15k on eBay

Voices: Johnny Depp is dining out on his trial win in some truly distasteful ways

Friday 10 June 2022 19:00 , Oliver O'Connell

Harriet Williamson writes:

It’s all gravy in Deppland, and well it might be. The “global humiliation” he promised his ex-wife is complete. Abuse has rained down on her on every conceivable platform, blanketing social media like a biblical plague. Heard’s facial expressions, gestures and mannerisms have been dissected and rubbished by armchair detectives, her testimony mocked with filters and by TikTok users mimicking and mugging at the camera.

Forget locusts, darkness, hail, water turning to blood – try being an unpopular woman testifying against a popular man.

Opinion: Johnny Depp is dining out on his trial win in some truly distasteful ways

Actor Greg Ellis discusses the impact of the verdict on his friend Johnny Depp

Friday 10 June 2022 19:16 , Oliver O'Connell

Camille Vasquez promoted to partner after trial success

Friday 10 June 2022 20:00 , Oliver O'Connell

Camille Vasquez has been elevated to partner at her firm Brown Rudnick following the key role she played as a member of Johnny Depp’s legal team during the defamation trial against Amber Heard.

Ms Vasquez became one of several unexpected celebrities at the trial through her tough cross-examination of witnesses and frequent objections to defence counsel questions.

Johnny Depp lawyer Camille Vasquez promoted to partner after defamation trial success

Johnny Depp’s lawyer Camille Vasquez shuts down dating rumours with actor

Friday 10 June 2022 21:00 , Oliver O'Connell

Johnny Depp‘s lawyer Camille Vasquez has once again shut down rumours that she is dating her client.

Depp’s supporters created memes portraying Vasquez as Marvel’s Thor, and even posted TikToks set to romantic music of the pair holding hands and talking closely.

In a recent interview with People, Vasquez addressed the fan and tabloid speculation over whether she was in a romantic relationship with the Pirates of The Caribbean star.

“I guess it comes with the territory of being a woman just doing her job,” she said.

“It’s disappointing that certain outlets kind of ran with it or said that my interactions with Johnny – who is a friend and I’ve known and represented for four-and-a-half years now – that my interactions in any way were inappropriate or unprofessional. That’s disappointing to hear.”

Read more:

Johnny Depp’s lawyer Camille Vasquez shuts down ‘sexist’ dating rumours with actor

Depp hired lawyer as consultant for trial after seeing her in Making a Murderer

Friday 10 June 2022 22:00 , Oliver O'Connell

An attorney says Johnny Depp hired her as a legal consultant for his defamation trial against Amber Heard after seeing her in the series Making a Murderer.

Kathleen Zellner, an American lawyer who was featured in the Netflix show, spoke to Law & Crime after a verdict was announced in the case on Wednesday (1 June).

Ms Zellner said Mr Depp called her and left a voicemail at her office at the end of December. She said Mr Depp told her he had seen her in Making a Murderer say that she “would be the last person someone would hire if they were guilty, because you would find out about it.”

“I was struck that that’s what motivated him to contact me,” Ms Zellner added.

Clémence Michallon reports:

Lawyer says Depp hired her as consultant after seeing her in Making a Murderer

Depp’s lawyer reveals why he did fist pump over Kate Moss mention in court

Friday 10 June 2022 23:00 , Oliver O'Connell

Johnny Depp’s lawyer Ben Chew has revealed why he did a little fist pump when Amber Heard’s attorney mentioned Kate Moss in the court during the defamation trial.

During the trial, Ms Heard’s attorney accused the Pirates of The Caribbean star of pushing his former girlfriend Moss down the stairs.

When Ms Heard’s team requested Moss’s testimony, Mr Depp’s attorneys appeared to celebrate the moment via a fist pump.

In a recent interview with Law & Crime Network, Mr Chew said: “There was an instance in which Ms Heard actually did admit to punching Johnny, and that was what we call the ‘staircase incident.’

Read more:

Johnny Depp’s lawyer reveals why he did fist pump over Kate Moss mention in court

Billie Eilish references Johnny Depp v Amber Heard trial in unreleased song

Saturday 11 June 2022 00:00 , Oliver O'Connell

Billie Eilish made reference to the Depp v Heard in an unreleased song that she performed to fans on her UK tour.

The 20-year-old pop star is currently in the UK on her world tour for her second album Happier Than Ever.

Performing at Manchester’s AO Arena on Tuesday (7 June), Eilish debuted a new song titled “TV”.

The track – which is yet to be released – is a slow, melancholy number with lyrics that reference the highly publicised Depp v Heard trial that came to an end last week

“The internet’s gone wild watching movie stars on trial, while they’re overturning Roe v Wade,” Eilish sang while sat on a stool opposite her brother and collaborator Finneas who played the acoustic guitar.

Billie Eilish references Johnny Depp trial in unreleased song debuted in Manchester

Depp releases new song about pitfalls of fame

01:00 , Oliver O'Connell

Johnny Depp has released a new song about the pitfalls of fame.

The track, which is called “This is a Song for Miss Hedy Lamarr”, is performed with Jeff Beck and taken from the duo’s forthcoming joint album, 18, which will be released on 15 July.

Ostensibly singing about Forties film star Lamarr, the lyrics of the first verse go: “Erased by the same world who made her a star… The light of her being, her exotic allure / Was torn at the seams for daring to dream / It’s so hard to speak when you’re frozen in scream… Feels like a dream, but it’s life and it’s death.”

In the chorus, Depp sings: ​“I don’t believe, I can’t believe, I won’t believe humans any more.” At another point, he laments: “It’s so hard to talk when no one will hear, and everyone stares as you quiver in fear.”

Depp and Beck have been playing across the UK in recent weeks, with Depp missing the last day of his defamation trial against his ex-wife Amber Heard for a gig.

Ellie Harrison reports:

Johnny Depp releases new song about pitfalls of fame

Voices: Amber Heard didn’t ask for any of this — but the verdict will change her life

02:00 , Oliver O'Connell

Kathleen N Walsh writes:

There’s a fair argument to be made that no matter which way the jury went in the Johnny Depp-Amber Heard defamation case, Heard — and domestic abuse survivors at large — had already lost. Certainly, the weeks and weeks of social media abuse, the humiliation, and the relived trauma Heard endured throughout this highly public trial would be enough on its own to have a chilling effect on future domestic abuse survivors. But the verdict still matters. And it especially matters because Heard never asked for any of this: Lest we forget, Depp sued her.

Read more:

Amber Heard didn’t ask for any of this — but the verdict will change her life

What are Amber Heard’s options to appeal Johnny Depp verdict

03:00 , Oliver O'Connell

Heard’s attorney Elaine Bredehoft has said her client will appeal the verdict, which largely favoured Depp.

The Independent’s Clémence Michallon spoke to three attorneys about Heard’s potential avenues.

What attorneys say about Amber Heard’s options to appeal Johnny Depp verdict

Unlikely cult celebrities of Johnny Depp v Amber Heard

04:00 , Oliver O'Connell

Fans of the estranged couple exhaustively documented the plaintiff and defendant’s every move and mannerism in court, their attorneys’ arguments, the judge’s interventions and a wealth of colourful witness testimony on TikTok, Instagram and Twitter, carving up what might have amounted to dry legal proceedings into a spectator sport.

All of which has raised disapproving eyebrows in some quarters, with concerns expressed that the real issue at the heart of the case, domestic violence, was lost in what has become a bad taste viral soap opera.

While those criticisms are more than valid, there is no question that the trial provided an extraordinary spectacle and a cast of unforgettable supporting characters who found themselves unlikely cult celebrities.

Unlikely cult celebrities of Johnny Depp v Amber Heard, from lawyers to alpacas

Voices: The Depp and Heard trial has become as divisive as Brexit

04:59 , Oliver O'Connell

Victoria Richards writes:

“Who do you support?” a friend I haven’t seen for a while asked me on the school run. He’s American, and was asking me about the talking point of 2022: no, not the pandemic, not Partygate, but the Johnny Depp and Amber Heard trial, of course.

“Come on, you can’t possibly believe Amber ‘poopy’ Heard,” he added, a genuine tinge of disbelief to his voice. “She’s mad!”

And so, I found myself repeating what I’ve been saying all along, when I’ve seen the disgusting memes and reactions on social media – those directed at Heard, who by any objective estimation has been through living hell, and the comments hurled at those who have written critically of the differing treatment meted out for Johnny “roses thrown in his path, crowds waving, people taking their babies to wait outside court for him” Depp – that the world has become strangely split and divided.

Read more:

Opinion: The Johnny Depp and Amber Heard trial has become as divisive as Brexit