
The Hollywood actor's lawyers discuss the actor's strategy in his defamation case against his ex-wife, including their concerns about his potential outbursts and the effectiveness of his use of humor.
- Dec 27, 2024
AceShowbiz - In the new A&E special "Interrogation Raw: Celebrity Under Oath", Johnny Depp's lawyers Benjamin Chew and Jessica Meyers shed light on the 2022 Virginia defamation trial against Amber Heard. Chew revealed that the legal team encouraged Depp's use of humor on the stand as a way to undermine Heard's accusations and humanize him before the jury.
However, Chew also acknowledged concerns that Depp might lose his temper during cross-examination, as the defense team intended to provoke him. Despite this, Depp maintained control of the witness stand, preventing Heard's attorney, Ben Rottenborn, from gaining the upper hand.
Depp, 61, sued Heard, 38, for defamation over an op-ed she wrote about surviving domestic abuse. Though she did not name him explicitly, the jury ultimately sided with Depp and ordered Heard to pay him $1 million in damages.
Chew described Depp's reaction to the verdict as elated. "He sounded like a kid. He was thrilled," Chew recalled. Heard's lawyers did not participate in the Interrogation Raw special, but she has previously expressed concerns about the influence of Depp's charisma and the impact of social media on the trial.
Heard also spoke about the challenges of cross-examination, highlighting the fear of being called a liar or humiliated when discussing s**ual violence.