• News
  • Film and TV
  • Music
  • Tech
  • Features
  • Celebrity
  • Politics
  • Weird
  • Community
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • LADbible Group
  • LADbible
  • SPORTbible
  • GAMINGbible
  • Tyla
  • UNILAD Tech
  • FOODbible
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Threads
TikTok
YouTube
Submit Your Content
Why There Will Be No Johnny Depp And Amber Heard Trial This Week

Home> Film & TV

Published 13:54 9 May 2022 GMT+1

Why There Will Be No Johnny Depp And Amber Heard Trial This Week

Johnny Depp's defamation trial against Amber Heard has gripped the world, but it's been put on hold for a week

Cameron Frew

Cameron Frew

Johnny Depp's defamation trial against Amber Heard has gripped the world, but it's been put on hold for a week.

The Pirates of the Caribbean star's $50 million (£38 million) defamation lawsuit against his ex-wife, centred on a 2018 Washington Post op-ed in which Heard claimed she had become 'a public figure representing domestic abuse', is ongoing in Virginia.

Depp's attorneys have accused Heard of orchestrating an elaborate 'hoax' with the 'clear implication' he was an abuser, coming after he lost his libel case against The Sun because the judge ruled claims he was a 'wife-beater' to be 'substantially true'.

Johnny Depp.
Alamy

Advert

The trial officially kicked off on April 11, with each day being as dramatic as the last, whether it's a psychologist hired by Depp's team diagnosing Heard with two personality disorders, Heard's testimony over Depp's alleged abuse or the moment they appeared to lock eyes in the courtroom.

Since it began, it's been available to livestream on Court TV and Law & Crime Network, with clips steadily shared to social media over the course of a day's proceedings.

However, for those following the case, whether you're a journalist or fan, this week will be quiet in terms of coverage - because there's no trial at all.

Quickly put any speculation aside: the hiatus isn't as a result of anything in the trial. Fairfax County Circuit Judge Penney Azcarate, who is presiding over the case, is said to have a previous engagement at a conference this week until Thursday, 12 May, according to Metro.

Advert

Amber Heard gives testimony in the defamation trial.
Alamy

As a result, the trial will resume on Monday, 16 May, at which point Heard will continue with her testimony and face cross-examination by Depp's team.

Ahead of the week long break, Azcarate reminded jurors not to watch, read or listen to anything regarding the trial in the interim.

She said: "What you learn about this case is limited to what you learn in the four walls of this courtroom when proceedings are underway, okay?"

Advert

Closing arguments are scheduled for 27 May, however there's no estimate on when a verdict will be delivered.

In a statement of confidence, Depp's team took aim at Heard's claims, alleging they've 'continued to grow new and convenient details' while Depp's have remained the same, The Independent reports.

Heard's team said Depp's 'defamation claim is falling apart so rapidly that his counsel are turning from prosecutor to persecutor'.

If you have a story you want to tell, send it to UNILAD via [email protected]  

Featured Image Credit: Alamy

Topics: Johnny Depp, Amber Heard, Film and TV

Cameron Frew
Cameron Frew

Entertainment Editor at UNILAD. 2001: A Space Odyssey is the best film ever made, and Warrior is better than Rocky. That's all you need to know.

X

@frewfilm

Advert

Advert

Advert

Choose your content:

2 hours ago
6 hours ago
14 hours ago
17 hours ago
  • 2 hours ago

    Secret Netflix code reveals ultimate 'Watch in One Weekend' collection including 'amazing' show people are 'surprised is allowed'

    Fans have said you're 'seriously missing out' if you don't watch the series created by Shane Gillis

    Film & TV
  • 6 hours ago

    Netflix viewers defy critics over comedy sitcom which has left them ‘wheeze laughing constantly’ and demanding a third season

    The sitcom dropped on Netflix eight years ago, with a second season following two years later

    Film & TV
  • 14 hours ago

    '100% rated' Netflix series binged for 74,300,000 hours is perfect for Mindhunter viewers

    Fans said they 'couldn't stop watching'

    Film & TV
  • 17 hours ago

    Superman star responds to fan outrage after James Gunn called the superhero an 'immigrant'

    People have been vowing to not see the film after James Gunn's comments

    Film & TV
  • Johnny Depp looks unrecognizable as he returns to Hollywood for first time since Amber Heard trial to film new movie
  • Johnny Depp's lawyer addresses rumor that the two were dating during infamous Amber Heard trial
  • Amber Heard has no new movies on the way after changing her name and moving to Spain
  • Netflix adds ‘insane’ gangster film starring Johnny Depp fans can’t believe is based on true story