Johnny Depp Verdict: Amber Heard Has 4 Options If She Cannot Pay $8.35 Million

As per experts, a jury that found Amber Heard guilty of defaming ex-husband Johnny Depp ordered her to pay $15 million in damages, raising financial concerns for the 36-year-old actress.

Although Amber Heard's net worth is unknown, she has earned millions for her roles in television and films such as 'Aquaman' and 'Aquaman 2.' She previously received a $7 million settlement from Johnny Depp following their 2016 divorce, which she pledged to donate to charities such as the American Civil Liberties Union. During the trial, she stated that she had yet to fulfill the vow due to Depp's lawsuit.

Amber Heard's Attorney Reveals She Can't Pay Johnny Depp

According to Newsweek, testimony during the trial revealed that Amber Heard's career had slowed owing to her court struggle with Johnny Depp. This raises the question of whether Heard's funds are deep enough to satisfy the damages, which included $10 million in compensatory damages and $5 million in punitive penalties - the latter of which was lowered to Virginia's punitive damages threshold of $350,000. In the litigation, the jury also awarded Amber Heard $2 million.

Johnny Depp won his defamation action against his ex-wife on all three charges. He was granted $10 million in compensatory damages for missed career chances, as well as $5 million in punitive penalties. Later, Judge Penney Azcarate decreased the punitive damages.

Amber Heard, for her part, was granted $2 million in damages for one of her three counterclaims. It left her owing Johnny Depp a total of $8.35 million. Heard's attorney, however, stated on morning talk shows that her client would be unable to pay the $8.35 million in damages to the Pirates of the Caribbean actor. While Heard's financial situation is unknown, her attorney, Elaine Bredehoft, revealed during the trial's final arguments that her client had spent more than $6 million on legal fees alone.

The high-profile defamation action also hindered Heard's acting career, according to trial testimony. When combined with Bredehoft's post-verdict interview claims, it has raised questions about whether Heard will be able to pay the high damages bill and, if not, what her legal options are.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, Johnny Depp earned up to $650 million during a 13-year span. Nonetheless, a former manager and agent testified throughout the trial that his expenditure, such as $300,000 a month on full-time employees, has eroded his fortune over time.

'Aquaman' Actress' Options.

Amber Heard did not address the verdict's financial conditions in a statement posted on Twitter on Wednesday, in which she expressed disappointment with the jury's decision. According to CBS News, Heard's choices following the widely publicized trial are as follows:

1. File For Bankruptcy

Heard can also file for bankruptcy, but she may not be able to discharge the $10.35 million debt through insolvency. This is due to a provision in bankruptcy law that exempts obligations resulting from willful and intentional harm by the debtor to another person.

However, Depp would have to protest her effort to discharge the obligation through bankruptcy, citing this section of the statute. In such a case, he may decide against objecting.

2. Garnish Future Wages

According to legal experts, if Heard decides not to appeal but does not have enough money to pay the judgment, her existing and future salary might be taken.

Depp may seek more than her salary. He might also recover by seizing her real estate, jewels, and other valuables, while some assets, such as retirement funds, would be safeguarded.

3. Appeal The Judgement

As previously stated, Heard might appeal the verdict in the hopes of obtaining a more favorable judgment and lowering the amount. Suppose she wants to delay the execution of the $10.35 million judgment. In that case, she will almost certainly have to post bail, according to Brian Pastor, an Atlanta attorney who specializes in litigation and securities and has expertise in dealing with judgments. Heard might also choose not to post a bail, which would allow Depp to carry out the ruling, he said.

4. Ask Johnny Depp to Waive The Judgement

Depp might also choose not to execute the decision, thus relinquishing the monetary damages. If Heard files an appeal, as she is rumored to do, it might be a negotiation point for a smaller payout or dropping the case entirely.

Depp did not say if he plans to pursue the monetary judgment against Heard in his Instagram remark following the ruling. He stated that the purpose of pursuing this action was to expose the truth regardless of the outcome.

Amber Heard Stayed in $22,000-a-Month Mansion

Amber Heard apparently resided in a lavish $22,500-a-month Virginia estate during her epic defamation trial against Johnny Depp. Despite her representation's claims of financial difficulties, Heard hunkered down in luxury with her family during the trial, according to TMZ.

The property has a tennis court, a home movie theater, eight bedrooms, and a pair of soaring staircases in the foyer. The listing's rental records do not include Heard's name, but they do show that the home was rented on May 4, 2020. It is unknown if the home was rented at the commencement of the trial on April 11.

According to witnesses, Heard was spotted visiting the house of her sister Whitney and her daughter Oomagh Paige. Heard's security was also spotted on the premises.