Johnny Depp's lawyer reveals why they were 'concerned' about actor during his trial against Amber Heard
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The attorney for Johnny Depp feared he could lose his temper on the stand in a defamation case he brought against his ex-wife, Amber Heard, in 2022.
Depp took his estranged partner to court following her op-ed in the Washington Post alleging domestic abuse which Depp claimed damaged his reputation and career.
Johnny Depp's humor played a key role in his defense strategy
The 'Pirates Of The Caribbean' star eventually won the case and was initially ordered $10 million in compensatory and $5 million in punitive damages. Amber Heard on the other hand was awarded $2 million in a countersuit.
However, Benjamin Chew, 61, explained that humor played a key role in Depp's defense strategy.
"Johnny's use of humor really undermined whatever serious point Amber's counsel was trying to make," Chew said on 'Raw: Celebrity Under Oath' which aired on December 26.
"We wanted to humanize Johnny before the jury. So they could understand why hitting the woman he loved was something that he's just not capable of," he added.
Johnny Depp's lawyers felt he could lose his temper during the trial
Johnny Depp's lawyers felt he could lose his temper during the trial, especially with tactics designed to provoke him.
"But the one thing that we're concerned about is whether he might lose his temper," he revealed."The other side is gonna do everything possible to get Johnny to show anger."
"One of the things that lawyers try to do on cross-examination is to maintain control of the witness. That's something that Johnny simply did not allow [Heard's attorney Ben Rottenborn] to do," he explained as per Page Six.
Johnny Depp was 'elated' after settlement and sounded like a kid
Benjamin Chew also recounted calling Johnny Depp after Amber Heard transitioned from appealing the verdict to agreeing to settle their legal dispute for $1 million in December 2022.
“He was elated, and he sounded as if the weight of the world was off of his shoulders,” Chew said, adding, "I mean, he sounded like a kid. He was thrilled."
Depp received Heard’s settlement money in June 2023 which he donated to charity.
During the trial, Depp was dropped from roles such as Gellert Grindelwald in the 'Fantastic Beasts' trilogy.
However, when the judgment was announced in his favor he said at the time "jury gave my life back."
Heard, for her part, claimed that the decision “sets back the idea that violence against women is to be taken seriously.” The actress, 38, also felt 'heartbroken."
She has since relocated to Spain to live a quieter life with her daughter Oonagh Paige born in April 2021 via surrogate. Heard recently announced she was "delighted" to announce a second pregnancy, still living in Spain.
