This Morning hosts Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary discussed the Depp-Heard trial verdict on Thursday’s instalment of the ITV daytime show.
The jury in the defamation trial ruled in favour of Johnny Depp, finding that a 2018 Washington Post opinion piece Amber Heard wrote defamed her ex-husband.
After the jurors’ unanimous decision in favour of Depp capped a seven-week trial in Virginia that awarded the actor $10.35m in damages, This Morning ’s Sam Rubin appeared on the programme to weigh in on what the verdict could mean for the acrimonious exes.
Speaking remotely from Los Angeles, Sam said: “Will Johnny Depp resume his film acting career? Before I thought it was not at all probable. Now, I would describe it as remotely possible.”
He then hinted what could be next for the Aquaman actress, saying: “As for Amber Heard, I think it's going to be very, very difficult to pick up from here.
“Does she resume her life as an actress? It seems unlikely. Could she become an advocate or spokesperson of some sort?
“I think a parallel to Monica Lewinsky here in the States, I think that's possible.”
Johnny Depp thanked the jury for 'giving his life back' after they awarded in his favour after the explosive libel trial.
In his statement issued through his spokesperson Depp said: “Six years ago, my life, the life of my children, the lives of those closest to me, and also, the lives of the people who for many, many years have supported and believed in me were forever changed. All in the blink of an eye.
“False, very serious and criminal allegations were levied at me via the media, which triggered an endless barrage of hateful content, although no charges were ever brought against me.
"It had already travelled around the world twice within a nanosecond and it had a seismic impact on my life and my career.
“And six years later, the jury gave me my life back. I am truly humbled.”
After the verdict was given in court, Amber Heard released a statement in which she described her "disappointment" at the decision.
She shared on social media: "The disappointment I feel today is beyond words. I'm heartbroken that the mountain of evidence still was not enough to stand up to the disproportionate power, influence, and sway of my ex-husband.
"I’m even more disappointed with what this verdict means for other women. It is a setback. It sets back the clock to a time when a woman who spoke up and spoke out could be publicly shamed and humiliated. It sets back the idea that violence against women is to be taken seriously.
"I believe Johnny’s attorneys succeeded in getting the jury to overlook the key issue of Freedom of Speech and ignore evidence that was so conclusive that we won in the UK.
"I'm sad I lost this case. But I am sadder still that I seem to have lost a right I thought I had as an American – to speak freely and openly."
