Johnny Depp's Lawyers Were 'Concerned' He 'Might Lose His Temper' on the Stand in Amber Heard Trial

Johnny Depp’s lawyers reflect on his awkward testimony during Amber Heard’s trial.

Two of the actor’s lawyers, Benjamin Chew and Jessica Meyers, shed light on the 2022 Virginia defamation case and their legal strategy in a new ER special Examining Raw: Celebrity Under Oathwhich aired on Thursday, December 26.

At one point, Chew explains why the legal team found Depp’s joking during the testimony helpful, and that they were worried the actor might blurt out during cross-examination.

“Johnny’s use of humor really undermined any serious point that Amber’s lawyer was trying to make,” says Chew. “We wanted to humanize Johnny in front of the jury so they could understand why hitting the woman he loves is something he’s just not capable of.”

“But,” he recalls, “the only thing we’re worried about is whether he’ll lose his temper. The other side will do everything possible to make Johnny show his anger.”

Chew explained, “One of the things lawyers try to do during cross-examination is to keep control of the witness. That’s something Johnny just wouldn’t allow [Heard’s attorney Ben Rottenborn] make.”

Amber Heard Talks About Blake Lively’s Sexual Harassment Lawsuit Against Justin Baldoni: ‘I Saw This Firsthand’

Johnny Depp testifies on April 21, 2022.

JIM LO SCALZO/POOL/AFP/Getty

Depp (61) sued his ex-wife Heard (38) for defamation due to the author’s text about surviving domestic abuse, although she did not name him in the article. A jury sided with Depp and, after reaching a settlement, was ordered to pay him $1 million in damages.

Chew said on Examining Raw The fact that the team called Depp after the verdict is special, since the actor could not be in the courtroom that day. “He was elated and sounded like the weight of the world had been lifted off his shoulders,” he recalls. “I mean, he sounded like a kid. He was thrilled.”

Benjamin Chew in court on May 27, 2022. STEVE HELBER/POOL/AFP via Getty

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

In a statement immediately after the verdict, Heard, who now lives a quiet life in Spain, said she was “heartbroken that the mountain of evidence is still insufficient to counter my ex-husband’s disproportionate power, influence and influence.” She also felt the outcome “sets back the idea that violence against women should be taken seriously”.

Depp said at the same time that “the jury gave me my life back”. He added: “Telling the truth is something I owed to my children and to all those who remained steadfast in their support of me. I feel at peace knowing that I have finally achieved it.”

Depp vs. Hearing Lawyers Reflects on Verdict 2 Years Later: ‘I’d Like to See Society Get Right’ (Exclusive)

Amber Heard testifies May 16, 2022 STEVE HELBER/POOL/AFP via Getty

None of Heard’s trial lawyers participated in the Examining Raw special. Elaine Charlson Bredehoft, who represented the actress during the trial, told PEOPLE earlier this year that it was a “huge mistake” to allow the trial to be televised and that “social media completely hijacked that trial.”

“You should never have cameras in a sexual assault or domestic violence courtroom [cases]. I hope the rest of the world has realized this and that mistake will not be repeated,” she said.

Heard gave an NBC News interview with Savannah Guthrie after the verdict in June 2022, when she said she felt Depp used his charisma to win over jurors. “He’s a beloved character and people feel they know him. He’s a fantastic actor,” she said at the time.

Heard also explained in the interview why she was so nervous about being cross-examined in court: “The scariest, scariest thing for anyone who talks about sexual assault is to not be believed, to be called a liar, or to be humiliated.”

Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education