Heard took action to formally appeal the judgement in Depp’s defamation case against her last month. The attorneys for the actress reportedly informed the court they intended to appeal the case in which a jury gave Depp $10 million in compensatory damages and $5 million in punitive damages on July 21, according to court records. The state’s statutory maximum was later applied, lowering the punitive damages to $350,000.
Heard’s counterclaim resulted in a jury verdict of $2 million in compensatory damages but no punitive damages. After Depp’s counsel referred to Heard’s assertions as a “hoax,” the jury decided that Depp was responsible. Depp has subsequently appealed that decision as well. Heard’s principal appeal attorneys will now be David L. Axelrod and Jay Ward Brown of Ballard Spahr. Notably, the attorneys successfully defended The New York Times in a prior defamation case brought by Sarah Palin.
“We welcome the opportunity to represent Ms Heard in this appeal as it is a case with important First Amendment implications for every American,” Axelrod and Brown in a statement. “We’re confident the appellate court will apply the law properly without deference to popularity, reverse the judgment against Ms Heard, and reaffirm the fundamental principles of Freedom of Speech.”
Elaine Charlson Bredehoft of Bredehoft Cohen Brown & Nadelhaft is resigning, and Ben Rottenborn of Woods Rogers Vandeventer Black will now serve as Heard’s co-counsel. “This is the perfect time to pass the baton,” Bredehoft said in a statement. “I have pledged to Amber and her appellate team my complete cooperation and assistance as they move forward on a path towards success.”
ALSO READ – Amber Heard Rejected Johnny Depp’s $16 Million Divorce Settlement Before Court Case
One of Heard’s representatives told ET during the July 21 hearing on her appeal: “We believe the court made errors that prevented a just and fair verdict consistent with the First Amendment,” adding, “We are therefore appealing the verdict. While we realize today’s filing will ignite the Twitter bonfires, we need to take steps to ensure fairness and justice.”
After the Washington Post published an op-ed Heard penned about being the victim of domestic abuse, Depp sued Heard for $50 million for defamation. Although Depp’s name was not mentioned in the piece, it was released as news of their bitter 2016 divorce continued to dominate headlines. Depp won the case following a six-week trial when the jury collectively decided to side with him.