'DISAPPOINTED BEYOND WORDS'
Amber Heard to appeal Johnny Depp verdict as she warns ruling is ‘setback’ for female domestic abuse victims
AMBER Heard is set to appeal the verdict in her multi-million defamation trial against Johnny Depp.
The Aquaman actress warned the ruling was a "setback" for female domestic abuse victims after losing the case.
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Jurors reached a verdict in Fairfax, Virginia, yesterday after six weeks of evidence and roughly 13 hours of deliberation.
Depp sued Heard for $50million over a Washington Post op-ed she wrote titled: "I spoke up against sexual violence - and faced our culture's wrath. That has to change."
The jury ruled in favour of Depp - who was not in court for the verdict - and awarded him $10m (£8m) in compensatory damages and $5m (£4m) in punitive damages.
But punitive damages in the state of Virginia are capped at $350,000, meaning he will only get $10.35m (£8.30m).
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Heard won one of her counter-claims against her ex-husband over comments by Depp's lawyer published in the Daily Mail and was awarded $2million.
Soon after the verdict was handed down, Heard's representative Alafair Hall confirmed to the she would be appealing the decision.
In an emotional statement, Heard said she was "heartbroken" and branded the decision a "setback".
She said: "The disappointment I feel today is beyond words. I'm heartbroken that the mountain of evidence still was not enough to stand up to the disproportionate power, influence, and sway of my ex-husband.
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"I’m even more disappointed with what this verdict means for other women. It is a setback.
"It sets back the clock to a time when a woman who spoke up and spoke out could be publicly shamed and humiliated.
"It sets back the idea that violence against women is to be taken seriously.
"I believe Johnny’s attorneys succeeded in getting the jury to overlook the key issue of Freedom of Speech and ignore evidence that was so conclusive that we won in the UK.
"I'm sad I lost this case. But I am sadder still that I seem to have lost a right I thought I had as an American – to speak freely and openly."
Lawyer Elaine Charlson Bredhoft, who represented Heard, echoed her complaints.
She told the Today Show: "'It's a horrible message. It's a setback, a significant setback because that's exactly what it means.
"Unless you pull out your phone and you video your spouse or your significant other beating you, effectively, you won't be believed."
Heard's fans took to Twitter to tell of their disbelief at the verdict.
One wrote: "My heart goes out to Amber. F*** that sexist jury and f*** this sexist country!"
Another said: "I stand with you and I believe you, Amber.
"You were so brave, strong and articulate in sharing your experiences.
"This was not justice. Sending you love and strength."
ABUSE CLAIMS
The Washington Post article does not mention Depp by name, yet his lawyers said it falsely implies he physically and sexually abused Heard while they were together.
The actor denied what he said were "outrageous, outlandish" claims of abuse and said he had "spoken up for what I have been carrying on my back reluctantly for six years" during his own evidence during the trial.
Heard rejected his accusations and had countersued the Pirates of the Caribbean star for $100million.
She was seen bursting into tears as she described how Depp had allegedly sexually assaulted her with a bottle.
Heard said that during a violent argument Depp had held her by the throat and smashed glass at their home in March 2015.
During closing remarks, both sides urged jurors to think about other victims of domestic abuse.
Heard's legal team highlighted the message that a verdict in Mr Depp's favour would send to others, while the actor's representatives said her claims were "an act of profound cruelty to true survivors".
In the past few days, Depp has made appearances on stage alongside musician Jeff Beck in the UK.
At the time the verdict was being returned in Virginia he was spotted in Newcastle.
The trial had become a battleground over proving the truth about their relationship.
One of the witnesses called to testify was Kate Moss, who denied the claims her ex Johnny Depp "pushed her down the stairs".
The supermodel was a surprise witness called by Depp and denied the allegations brought up by Heard who said during her testimony she felt connected to Moss due to a rumor that Depp pushed her down the stairs when they were dating back in the 1990s.
Depp released a statement following the verdict, which read: "Six years ago, my life, the life of my children, the lives of those closest to me, and also, the lives of the people who for many, many years have supported and believed in me were forever changed.
"All in the blink of an eye.
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"False, very serious and criminal allegations were levied at me via the media, which triggered an endless barrage of hateful content, although no charges were ever brought against me. It had already travelled around the world twice within a nanosecond and it had a seismic impact on my life and my career.
"And six years later, the jury gave me my life back. I am truly humbled."
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How you can get help
Women's Aid has this advice for victims and their families:
- Always keep your phone nearby.
- Get in touch with charities for help, including the Women’s Aid live chat helpline and services such as SupportLine.
- If you are in danger, call 999.
- Familiarise yourself with the Silent Solution, reporting abuse without speaking down the phone, instead dialing “55”.
- Always keep some money on you, including change for a pay phone or bus fare.
- If you suspect your partner is about to attack you, try to go to a lower-risk area of the house – for example, where there is a way out and access to a telephone.
- Avoid the kitchen and garage, where there are likely to be knives or other weapons. Avoid rooms where you might become trapped, such as the bathroom, or where you might be shut into a cupboard or other small space.
If you are a victim of domestic abuse, SupportLine is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 6pm to 8pm on 01708 765200. The charity’s email support service is open weekdays and weekends during the crisis – [email protected].
Women’s Aid provides a - available weekdays from 8am-6pm and weekends 10am-6pm.
You can also call the freephone 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247.
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