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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
World
Miriam Burrell

Johnny Depp took Amber Heard to court to restore his reputation, say his lawyers

Johnny Depp next to his lawyer Camille Vasquez (right)

(Picture: AP)

Johnny Depp took Amber Heard to court in the US in a bid to restore his reputation, his lawyers have said.

His legal team Camille Vasquez and Benjamin Chew have made a number of appearances on American television shows following Mr Depp’s win in the defamation case.

On Good Morning America, the pair were asked if Mr Depp might even waive the $8 million judgment that Ms Heard is ordered to pay because her team has said she cannot afford it.

The show’s co-anchor George Stephanopoulos asked: “Is it possible we could see a settlement where she forgoes the appeal in return for Mr Depp waiving any monetary damages?”

Speaking outside the court, Mr Depp’s lawyers Benjamin Chew (left) and Camille Vasquez (right) (AP)

His legal team responded saying the case was about “restoring” Mr Depp’s reputation and reiterated the defamation trial was “never about the money” for him.

“This was about restoring his reputation and he’s done that,” Mr Chew said.

“We have to be careful what we say, but this was about Mr Depp’s reputation, that’s what is what is was about for him.”

It comes as Ms Heard’s legal team said she intends to appeal against the verdict which saw the jury at Fairfax County District Court in Virginia side with Mr Depp.

Mr Depp was awarded $10m (£7.9m) in compensatory damages and $5m (£3.9m) in punitive damages.

Heard was awarded $2m (£1.6 million) in compensatory damages after the jury found she was defamed by one of Depp’s lawyers.

In a statement issued after the trial, Ms Heard said it was a setback for women’s rights.

She said: “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.”

Mr Depp was in the UK when the jury reached a verdict in Virginia.

He was seen greeting fans and relaxing with Sam Fender at a pub in Newcastle.

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