In a revealing new A&E special "Interrogation Raw: Celebrity Under Oath," Johnny Depp's attorneys Benjamin Chew and Jessica Meyers shared behind-the-scenes insights about their strategy during the high-profile 2022 defamation trial against Amber Heard.
Chew disclosed that while Depp's humorous responses on the stand worked in their favor by undermining opposing counsel's arguments, the legal team harbored concerns about potential outbursts during cross-examination. "The one thing that we're concerned about is whether he might lose his temper. The other side is gonna do everything possible to get Johnny to show anger," Chew explained.
The legal team's primary goal was to present Depp as relatable to the jury, emphasizing his character as someone incapable of domestic violence. Despite attempts by Heard's attorney Ben Rottenborn to maintain control during cross-examination, Depp managed to stay composed throughout the proceedings.
The trial concluded with the jury ruling in Depp's favor, resulting in a settlement where Heard was ordered to pay $1 million in damages. Upon hearing the verdict, Chew recalled Depp sounding "elated" and "like a kid," relieved that "the weight of the world was off his shoulders."
While Depp celebrated the outcome as getting his "life back," Heard expressed disappointment, stating she was "heartbroken that the mountain of evidence still was not enough." She later suggested in an NBC News interview that Depp's celebrity status and charisma influenced the jury's decision.
The case has sparked ongoing discussions about televised courtroom proceedings in domestic violence cases, with Heard's former attorney Elaine Charlson Bredehoft calling the media coverage a "huge mistake" that allowed social media to "completely hijack" the trial.