Judge denies Amber Heard’s bid for new trial in Johnny Depp case
A Virginia judge has rejected Amber Heard’s argument that she should get a new trial after Johnny Depp won a $10 million verdict against her — swatting down her claims that a juror snafu prejudiced the outcome of the case.
Fairfax Circuit Court Judge Penney Azcarate on Wednesday tossed the 36-year-old “Aquaman” star’s bid for a new trial on multiple grounds, according to a court filing.
Heard had in part argued that Juror 15 in her and Depp’s case was not the person who was summoned for jury duty, tainting her right to a fair trial.
But the judge tossed that claim, writing in her ruling, “The juror was vetted, sat for the entire jury, deliberated, and reached a verdict.”
Heard “does not allege juror fifteen’s inclusion on the jury prejudiced her in any way,” the decision reads.
“The only evidence before this court is that the juror and all jurors followed their oaths, the court’s instructions, and orders,” Azcarate continued. “This court is bound by the competent decision of the jury.”
Last month, the 59-year-old “Pirates of the Caribbean” actor won $10.35 million in damages in his bombshell defamation case against Heard, his ex wife.
Heard won a $2 million verdict on one of her defamation claims against Depp.
Depp’s rep declined to comment. A rep for Heard didn’t immediately return a request for comment.
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