Amber Heard appeals divisive Johnny Depp verdict (2024)

Amber Heard has appealed the court ruling that ordered her to fork out $10 million to ex-husband Johnny Depp after their US defamation trial.

WATCH: Inside Amber Heard’s abuse claims against Johnny Depp

The news came on Thursday, when it was reported the actress’ lawyers had filed documents notifying the Virginia court that oversaw the trial that she intends to appeal the judgement.

As well as appealing the massive $10 million payout to Depp, Heard’s lawyers made it clear she would also be appealing rulings the judge made after the verdict.

“We believe the court made errors that prevented a just and fair verdict consistent with the first amendment. We are therefore appealing the verdict,” a spokesperson for the actress said in a statement, via The Guardian.

“While we realise today’s filing will ignite the Twitter bonfires, there are steps we need to take to ensure both fairness and justice.”

Heard faced an onslaught of social media vitriol during her and Depp’s highly publicised US trial, which delved into their tumultuous marriage.

Twitter, TikTok and Instagram accounts dedicated to following the trial attacked Heard during proceedings, even posting rape and death threats on public platforms.

Though it was a defamation trial, the media and online focus was on Heard’s claims that she had been a victim of domestic abuse during her marriage to Depp.

Depp denied the claims, insisting that he had never abused Heard and that she was actually abusive towards him.

“The jury listened to the extensive evidence presented during the six-week trial and came to a clear and unanimous verdict that the defendant herself defamed Mr Depp in multiple instances,” a spokesperson for Depp said in a statement, via The Guardian.

“We remain confident in our case and that this verdict will stand.”

The actor sued his ex-wife for libel over a December 2018 Washington Post op-ed in which she described herself as “a public figure representing domestic abuse”.

His lawyers alleged that even though the article never named Depp, it defamed him.

Heard’s legal team filed counterclaims that she had been defamed by Depp’s former lawyer, who Heard’s team claimed publicly characterised her abuse allegations as a hoax.

After weeks of testimony, which was covered in detail by media outlets around the world, Depp claimed victory and the jury ordered Heard to pay him more than $10 million in compensatory damages.

She was also ordered to hand over $5 million in punitive damages, however that figure was reduced to $350,000 under a state cap.

Both released official statements following the verdict, with Depp thanking fans for supports while Heard voiced fears for how the case could affect victims of domestic violence.

“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,” Depp penned.

He added that the goal of him bringing the case was to “reveal the truth”, with the verdict marking the start of a “new chapter” for him.

In a statement of her own, Heard said she was “heartbroken” by the loss.

“I’m even more disappointed with what this verdict means for other women. It is a setback,” she wrote.

“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.”

If you or someone you know has been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, help is always available. Call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit their website.