One Juror Explains Why Amber Heard-Johnny Depp Made Them “Uncomfortable” During Trial
In an exclusive interview with ABC News, a male juror from the seven-member jury claimed that during the almost six-week trial, the “majority of the jurors believed she was the aggressor” and that “a lot of Amber’s story didn’t fit up.”
Heard’s evidence: “All of us were really uncomfortable because of the tears, the facial expressions she had, and the staring at the jurors,” he said, referring to Heard’s evidence.
She would cry after answering one question and then become icy cold two seconds later.
“Crocodile tears,” as some of us called them, “
In regards to Depp’s evidence, the juror seemed to congratulate the actor for maintaining his composure. “A lot of the jury believed what he was saying at the end of the day was more plausible,” said one member of the jury. In terms of how he responded to queries, he seemed a little more genuine. “
He said that when it came to legal teams, he “thought Depp’s team was competent” and that Heard’s lawyers had “sharp elbows” and were “interrupted frequently.”
Michael Reynolds; Steve Helber/AP/Shutterstock
According to a June 1 ruling, Depp’s $50 million defamation lawsuit against Heard arose from a 2018 essay she wrote for the Washington Post in which she defined herself as a “public figure symbolizing domestic abuse.”
Despite the fact that Depp’s name was not included in the article, his attorneys previously stated in court records that Heard’s op-ed was all part of an “elaborate fabrication” designed “to boost her career.”
A Virginia jury awarded Depp $10 million in compensatory damages and $5 million in punitive damages in early June, but the judge reduced the punitive damages to $350,000 due to the state’s cap.
The jury awarded Heard $2 million in compensatory damages in her countersuit (she filed a $100 million countersuit in 2020), based on a decision that Depp was accountable for a comment made by his counsel about Heard.
Michael Reynolds; Steve Helber/AP/Shutterstock
Later, Heard said she didn’t think the trial’s social media depiction was “fair”—a remark that the anonymous juror indicated had nothing to do with their judgment.
He told ABC News, “Myself and at least two other jurors don’t use Twitter or Facebook.”
Others who had it made a point of not bringing it up. In the end, what I believe is true is that they were both abusive to each other.
“I don’t believe that makes either of them right or wrong,” added the juror.
“However, there wasn’t enough or any proof that actually substantiated what she was saying to reach the level of what she was asserting.”
The jury was given “no advice on the amount of money both stars were paid,” according to the juror, who added that “each juror tossed out a number they thought was fair.”
Heard’s attorney, Elaine Bredehoft, said after the verdict when asked if the actress would be able to pay the multi-million dollar penalty.
In an interview with Savannah Guthrie for NBC News on June 13, Heard said she doesn’t “blame” the jury for the verdict. She remarked that she “truly understands,” adding that her ex is a “beloved character” who “feels like people know him.”
Depp stepped out in support of the judgment after the verdict, praising supporters for their “colossal support.” Heard’s lawyer previously stated that he intends to appeal.
