Johnny Depp’s lawyers recently reflected on his challenging testimony during his 2022 defamation trial against Amber Heard. Attorneys Benjamin Chew and Jessica Meyers shared insights about their strategy in the new A&E special Interrogation Raw: Celebrity Under Oath, which aired on December 26.
Depp’s Humor on the Stand
Chew explained that Depp’s use of humor during his testimony helped their case. “Johnny’s use of humor really undermined whatever serious point Amber’s counsel was trying to make,” said Chew... Continue reading here ▶
“We wanted to humanize Johnny so the jury could see that hitting the woman he loved was something he just wasn’t capable of.”
However, the legal team also worried Depp might lose his temper during cross-examination. “The other side would do everything possible to provoke Johnny into showing anger,” Chew said.
One of the key moments during the trial was Depp refusing to let Heard’s lawyer, Ben Rottenborn, take control during cross-examination. Chew remarked, “That’s something Johnny simply didn’t allow.”
The Trial and Verdict
Depp, 61, sued Heard, 38, for defamation over an op-ed she wrote about surviving domestic abuse. Although the article didn’t name him directly, the jury sided with Depp. After a settlement, Heard was ordered to pay Depp $1 million in damages.
Chew recalled calling Depp after the verdict, as he wasn’t in the courtroom that day. “He was elated, like the weight of the world had been lifted,” said Chew. “He sounded thrilled, like a kid.”
After the verdict, Depp said, “The jury gave me my life back. Speaking the truth was something I owed to my children and those who supported me. I feel at peace knowing I finally accomplished that.”
Meanwhile, Heard expressed disappointment in the outcome. She said, “I’m heartbroken that the mountain of evidence wasn’t enough to stand up to my ex-husband’s influence and power.” She also felt the verdict undermined the seriousness of violence against women.
Reactions to the Televised Trial
None of Heard’s lawyers participated in the A&E special. Elaine Charlson Bredehoft, who represented Heard, later told PEOPLE it was a “huge mistake” to televise the trial, as social media hijacked the case.
“You should never have cameras in a courtroom for sexual assault or domestic violence cases,” Bredehoft said. “I hope this mistake won’t be repeated.”
In a June 2022 interview with NBC’s Savannah Guthrie, Heard shared how intimidating it was to testify. “The scariest thing for anyone talking about sexual violence is not being believed, being called a liar, or being humiliated,” she said.
Heard also felt Depp’s charisma helped sway the jury. “He’s a beloved character, and people feel like they know him. He’s a fantastic actor,” she said.
