Johnny Depp Awaits Trial As Court Empowers Amber Heard’s Defense

Johnny Depp and Amber Heard have been entangled in a court struggle for several years now. Depp appears to be considering a number of methods to support his case. It seems Johnny Depp braces for trial as court’s latest ruling empowers ex Amber Heard’s defense.

Following a judge’s rejection of Johnny Depp’s recent motion, Virginia’s anti-SLAPP statute will likely improve Amber Heard’s defense following the actress’ $100 countersuit. Judge Penney Azcarate’s decision recently does not grant Heard immunity for what she wrote in a 2018 Washington Post opinion article that sparked a legal battle between the ex-husband and wife.

It however does allow her legal team to present her case for immunity to a jury. Elaine Bredehoft, Heard’s lawyer, previously stated that the aforementioned op-ed does not mention Depp’s name, but does address a public concern: preventing domestic abuse.

Following Depp’s $50 million libel lawsuit filed in March 2019, Virginia’s anti-SLAPP law was reinforced. According to Deadline, the amended bill now provides protection from civil liability for utterances about subjects of public concern that would otherwise be protected under the First Amendment.

Today’s judgement is not a major victory. Simply, it means Mr. Depp would potentially be responsible for covering her legal fees should she win, though not guaranteed. Mr. Depp has had many preliminary wins throughout this process and his team remains confident ahead of the upcoming trial.

Depp claimed the article broke a non-disclosure agreement he and Heard signed as part of their divorce settlement, accusing his ex for ruining his reputation in the process, despite not being identified in the op-ed piece years ago. Both celebs expect to testify in court among a bevvy of other celebrity witnesses as their legal war continues.

What’s your take on this story? Sound off in the comments!