Amber Heard employed new authorized counsel to signify her as she appeals the decision in her defamation case towards ex Johnny Depp.
Elaine Bredehoft is stepping down after the wild six-week trial as Heard picked David L. Axelrod and Jay Ward Brown to guide the appeals crew. The pair efficiently defended the New York Occasions towards Sarah Palin’s defamation lawsuit earlier this 12 months. Ben Rottenborn will proceed to signify Heard as co-counsel.
“In the case of defending the basic proper of Freedom of Speech, we have a look at the jury’s resolution — to paraphrase a well-known quote — not ‘as the start of the tip, however merely the tip of the start,'” a spokesperson for Heard tells Yahoo Leisure. “A distinct court docket warrants completely different illustration, notably as a lot new proof is now coming to mild.”
On June 1, a Virginia jury discovered Heard defamed Depp in her in a 2018 Washington Put up op-ed when she wrote about surviving home abuse and sexual violence, though she by no means named the actor.
“We welcome the chance to signify Ms. Heard on this attraction as it’s a case with essential First Modification implications for each American,” Axelrod and Brown be aware in a joint assertion. “We’re assured the appellate court docket will apply the regulation correctly with out deference to recognition, reverse the judgment towards Ms. Heard, and reaffirm the basic ideas of Freedom of Speech.”
It is not unusual for an individual to alter counsel through the appeals course of.
“That is the proper time to move the baton,” provides Bredehoft. “I’ve pledged to Amber and her appellate crew my full cooperation and help as they transfer ahead on a path in the direction of success.”
Associated video: Unsealed Johnny Depp v. Amber Heard court docket docs reveal much more ugly allegations between exes
Though the decision is taken into account an enormous win for Depp, the jury sided with Heard on one among her three counterclaims of defamation. The actress was awarded $2 million in damages compared to Depp’s $10.35 million. The Pirates of the Caribbean star launched his personal attraction, however is sticking together with his similar authorized crew.
Depp’s exoneration within the court docket of public opinion may assist launch his Hollywood comeback.
Earlier on Monday, it was introduced the actor is ready to direct his first movie in 25 years. The image, titled Modigliani, is about Italian artist Amedeo Modigliani, and might be co-produced alongside Al Pacino and Barry Navidi.
“The saga of Mr. Modigliani’s life is one which I’m extremely honored, and really humbled, to convey to the display screen,” Depp informed The Hollywood Reporter. It will likely be produced for IN.2, the European arm of his manufacturing firm Infinitum Nihil. “It was a lifetime of nice hardship, however eventual triumph — a universally human story all viewers can establish with.”
It is the second European undertaking for Depp as he just lately began capturing Jeanne du Barry. The film is the actor’s first function movie in three years. Depp is taking part in King Louis XV, which is being directed by French filmmaker Maïwenn.
