When the defamation judge between Amber Heard and Johnny Depp finalized the verdict in the case on Friday, it became clear that Amber Heard could have to pay a lot of money if she appealed.
After a high-level trial for a few weeks, in which Depp sued his ex-wife, Heard, for $ 50 million for defamation following an opinion piece he wrote in 2018, the civil jury of seven people came to a verdict on June 1 largely. in favor of Depp, awarding him $ 15 million in damages, $ 10 million in compensatory damages and the other $ 5 million in punitive damages. Judge Penney Azcarate later reduced the punitive award to $ 350,000 for Virginia’s legal maximum. In all, after calculating the $ 2 million awarded to Heard for his harassment lawsuit, Depp’s award reached $ 8.35 million, which Heartd’s attorney, Elaine Bredehoft, has publicly stated that the Aquaman actress can’t afford it.
In addition, the initial cost of an appeal to Heard would be equal to this judgment, plus interest, plus other possible charges.
Heard’s representatives confirmed that he plans to appeal the verdict. A Heard spokesman told Newsweek, “As was said at yesterday’s Congressional hearings, don’t ask for a pardon if you’re innocent. And don’t refuse to appeal if you know you’re right.”
Amber Heard plans to appeal the court decision against her in the defamation suit, which could cost her a very large sum. Above, Heard waits before the jury announces the split verdicts in Johnny Depp’s civil defamation lawsuit against Amber Heard in the Fairfax County Circuit Court in Fairfax, Virginia, on June 1. EVELYN HOCKSTEIN / POOL / AFP via Getty Images
However, it looks like it could cost you even more money up front. Azcarate, in his official order Friday, stated that the amount owed by each party was subject to an annual interest rate of 6 percent under Virginia law.
Attorney Jeff Lewis, the founder of Jeff Lewis Law, told Newsweek that to appeal, “He must post a bail equal to the net trial (after offsetting Amber’s victory) of $ 8.3 million , plus interest for one year at 6 percent. “
And even then, the good is not the only price on the table. Lewis also claimed it could depend on the guarantor, the insurance company that issues the bond, which could require Amber to pay more as collateral.
“So here are two questions, what premium would Amber have to pay on bail to get a bail. And secondly, what guarantee does Amber have to convince a bail to release the bail,” Lewis said.
The agreement between the two actors, whose tumultuous and often toxic relationship ended in divorce in 2016, will not come until after the appeal, according to experts.
Heard has kept up with his claims made in statements at the witness bar after the trial, although Depp’s lawyers hinted that the Pirates of the Caribbean actor could waive the amount Heard owes if he resigns. on appeal.
Attorney Benjamin Chew spoke with George Stephanopoulos of Good Morning America, who asked, “Is it possible that we can see an agreement where he waives the appeal in exchange for Mr. Depp waiving any monetary damages?”
“Obviously, we cannot disclose communications between the attorney and the client,” Chew replied. “But, as Mr. Depp stated and as we both made clear in our respective closures, it was never about money for Mr. Depp. It was about restoring his reputation, and he has done it.”