The last word in the lengthy dispute between Johnny Depp (59) and Amber Heard (36) seems far from spoken. After the Hollywood star's ex-wife appealed the verdict in a defamation lawsuit, Depp followed suit. In a short interview with Gayle King (67) for "CBS Mornings" Depp's lawyer, Camille Vasquez (38), explains this step.
The Depps side therefore expected that Heard would appeal, as her lawyer had announced shortly after the verdict was announced on the "Today" show. Depp's countermove is therefore part of a strategy "so that the court [insight into] the complete file". If the actress insists on litigating, "we have to defend our client's interests."
It is now hoped that the verdict will stand, because from the point of view of Depp's legal team, it was "the right verdict". When asked if Depp would have refrained from appealing if Heard hadn't, Vasquez replies with a resounding "yes". Heard's attorneys, meanwhile, declined to comment, according to King. Vasquez also confirmed to her again that it was not a "like you me, like me" situation.
In early June, the verdict came in a week-long libel trial between Depp and Heard, in which the former couple had accused each other of domestic violence. The jury sided in large part with the 'Pirates of the Caribbean' star who has to pay his ex-wife two million dollars. However, Heard was hit much harder. She is said to transfer more than ten million dollars to Depp.
After the US media had initially unanimously reported that Heard was appealing, the "People" magazine, among others, wrote shortly afterwards that Depp was also taking this step. An anonymous source close to the actor said: "If Ms Heard is determined to proceed with the litigation by appealing the verdict, Mr Depp will be appealing at the same time to ensure that the full file and all relevant legal issues dated Court of Appeal will be considered." Previously, Heard had already failed with an application to have the judgment overturned.
