Johnny Depp’s Lawyers Reveal Startling Truth About His Testimony in Amber Heard Trial

In the A&E special Interrogation Raw: Celebrity Under Oath, which aired on December 26, Johnny Depp’s lawyers, Benjamin Chew and Jessica Meyers, discussed the strategies that helped the actor win his highly publicized defamation trial against Amber Heard. The special provided insight into the 2022 Virginia case, where Depp sued Heard for defamation after she wrote an op-ed that he claimed damaged his reputation.

Benjamin Chew explained how Depp’s use of humor during his testimony worked to his advantage: “Johnny’s use of humor undermined whatever serious point Amber’s counsel was trying to make.” He added that their aim was to humanize Depp before the jury, showing them that the actor was incapable of the violence he was accused of, told to People.

“We wanted to humanize Johnny before the jury so they could understand why hitting the woman he loved was something that he’s just not capable of,” Chew said. However, Chew also admitted that they were concerned about Depp losing his temper during the trial. “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,” he explained.

In handling Depp’s cross-examination, the legal team knew it was crucial to maintain control. “One of the things that lawyers try to do on cross-examination is to maintain control of the witness,” Chew said. According to an insider, Depp successfully thwarted Amber’s attorney, Ben Rottenborn, from gaining control.

“That’s something that Johnny simply did not allow Amber’s attorney Ben Rottenborn to do,” the insider remarked. After the verdict was delivered, Chew recalled speaking to Depp, who was unable to attend court at the time. “He was elated, and he sounded as if the weight of the world was off of his shoulders. I mean, he sounded like a kid. He was thrilled,” Chew said.

In a post-verdict interview with NBC News, Amber Heard shared her thoughts on the trial’s outcome. She claimed that Johnny Depp “used his charisma to win over jurors” and elaborated on why cross-examination was particularly daunting for her. “The scariest, most intimidating thing for anybody talking about sexual violence is not being believed, being called a liar and being humiliated,” Heard stated.