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Lawyer representing Johnny Depp in a defamation suit with his partner and ex-wife Amber Heard claims that a final statement from Heard’s team could drastically change the perception of the case for the jury.
On Tuesday, they asked Judge Penney Azcarate to tell the jury not to heed the statement and to provide them with clearer instructions in the middle of their ongoing deliberations.
Depp’s lawyers argued that Heard’s lawyer, Benjamin Rottenborn, told the jury that his final verdict on the case would send a message to “all victims of domestic abuse everywhere.”
This combination of two separate photos shows actors Johnny Depp, left, and Amber Heard in the courtroom for final discussions at the Fairfax County Circuit Court in Fairfax, Virginia, Friday, May 27, 2022 (AP Photos / Steve Helber, Pool) (AP Photos / Steve Helber, Pool)
Depp’s lawyer argued that the language could change juries’ views on domestic violence as a social issue and move away from the facts of the case.
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“This argument from Ms Heard’s lawyer improperly invites the jury to decide the case ‘based on passion and prejudice’ and specific instruction from the jury is needed to cure this irregularity,” they said.
Actor Johnny Depp greets fans as he leaves Fairfax County Courthouse on Friday, May 27, 2022 in Fairfax, Virginia (AP Photo / Craig Hudson) (AP Photo / Craig Hudson)
The statement in question came during the closing arguments when Rottenborn told the jury that a sentence against Heard “sends a message that no matter what you do as a victim of abuse, you should always do more.”
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“No matter how honest you are about your own imperfections and shortcomings in a relationship, you have to be perfect for people to believe you. Don’t send that message,” Rottenborn said.
In response, Judge Azcarate told Depp’s lawyers that he would not accept the motion, as the jury had already begun its deliberations.
Actress Amber Heard leaves Fairfax County Courthouse on Friday, May 27, 2022 in Fairfax, Virginia (AP Photo / Craig Hudson) (AP Photo / Craig Hudson)
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The jury has deliberated for nine hours over two days and will resume on Wednesday.
Depp is asking for $ 50 million in the case, as he claims Heard defamed him when he called himself “a public figure representing domestic abuse.” Heard is asking for $ 100 million in a counterclaim, claiming that Depp and his legal team have described his allegations as fraudulent.
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The Associated Press contributed to this report.