Johnny Depp's legal team has challenged the High Court's decision in London that cleared The Sun newspaper of defamation in labeling Depp a "wife beater."
They argue that the ruling is "simply erroneous" and seek permission to appeal, considering it "completely erroneous" and "manifestly dangerous." This move initiates a new phase in what has been dubbed "the largest defamation trial of the 21st century in England," laying bare the tumultuous marriage's most controversial aspects.
In the appeal, Depp's lawyers introduce new oral evidence in an attempt to overturn the decision, aiming for a new trial to definitively resolve the matter. Additionally, they accuse Amber Heard of reneging on her commitment to donate all the divorce settlement money, asserting that she only contributed a seventh of the total $7 million received.
Depp's defense argues that the judge failed to examine all evidence diligently, neglecting leaked audios where Heard allegedly threatened Depp, and accepting accusations without sufficient forensic evidence. Conversely, The Sun's legal representation defends the verdict, claiming Depp lied multiple times, and the judge's conclusions were sound.
The ruling, delivered by Judge Andrew Nicol in November, led to Depp's departure from the Fantastic Beasts franchise, a blow to his career deemed significant by his legal team.
Apart from the ongoing appeal, Johnny Depp and Amber Heard are entangled in another legal battle. Depp accuses Heard of defamation in a Washington Post column, and the trial, initially set for May 17, 2022, in Virginia, has been postponed to April 11, 2022, due to the pandemic. This means the couple faces legal challenges in both English and North American courts, with Depp seeking $50 million, and Heard countersuing for $100 million.
The controversy surrounding Depp and Heard has stirred public opinion, resulting in Depp's dismissal from the Fantastic Beasts franchise. Calls for Heard's removal from Aquaman 2 persist. Leaked messages, where Heard informed Depp's representative about alleged assaults before reporting them, contribute to the polarized views. The Sun's accusations of Depp as a 'wife abuser' draw on this private material, intensifying the public debate.
