Amber Heard Says Court Defeat Will ‘Set Back The Clock For Women’s Rights’ And Plans To Appeal
Amber Heard warned that the jury’s verdict against her in the defamation case instituted by her ex-husband Johnny Depp will “set back the clock” for women’s rights.
“The disappointment I feel today is beyond words,” Heard said in a statement after the judgement was confirmed.
“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.”
“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.”
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“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.”
Heard’s spokesperson Alafair Hall also told The New York Times she now plans to appeal the judgment, although it is unclear on what grounds she plans to do so.
Meanwhile, Depp issued a statement, thanking the jury for “giving him his life back”.
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“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,” he said.
”All in the blink of an eye. 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 traveled 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.
“My decision to pursue this case, knowing very well the height of the legal hurdles that I would be facing and the inevitable, worldwide spectacle into my life, was only made after considerable thought.”
“From the very beginning, the goal of bringing this case was to reveal the truth, regardless of the outcome. Speaking the truth was something that I owed to my children and to all those who have remained steadfast in their support of me. I feel at peace knowing I have finally accomplished that.”
The six-week defamation trial between Depp and Heard captivated the world as intimate details of their private lives, including allegations of abuse from both sides, were aired in public and went viral through TikTok clips, raising discussions on domestic violence in the process.
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